Full Breakdown
Nelly Korda Wins 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club
6/8/2026, 4:22:39 AM
Korda Clinches Second Consecutive Major
World No. 1 Nelly Korda captured the 81st U.S. Women’s Open on June 7, 2026, holding off England’s Charley Hull and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez by one stroke. After a 2-under-69 final round, Korda sealed the title with a short par putt on the 18th that curled around the left edge before dropping. The victory marks her fourth career major and her second in as many weeks.
Road from 2025 Slump to Riviera Triumph
Korda entered 2026 after a winless 2025 season. She credited a “mindset shift” that included writing positive Post-it notes, a grip change suggested by sister Jessica Korda, and a focus on staying “happy, free” on the course. The mental overhaul coincided with three wins and three runner-up finishes in her first seven starts of the season, including The Chevron Championship in April.
Main Contenders
The final leaderboard featured Charley Hull (England), Gaby Lopez (Mexico), three-time major champion In Gee Chun (South Korea), and South Korea’s Sei Young Kim, all of whom pressed Korda in the closing rounds.
Tournament Timeline
- Thursday: Opening round 73, Korda fell two strokes behind the lead.
- Friday: First 67, moving into contention.
- Saturday: Second 67, birdie-birdie-birdie stretch on the back-nine.
- Sunday: Birdie on the par-5 17th broke a four-way tie; a 2-foot-10-inch (reported as 2½-foot) putt on 18 secured the win.
Numbers That Define the Victory
- Reported final score: 8-under (some sources list 276, others 269).
- Winner’s share: $2.5 million of a record $12.5 million purse.
- Hall of Fame points: 25 earned (27 needed for eligibility).
- Korda recorded the fewest bogeys (seven) and posted a 36-hole low of 132, matching Meg Mallon’s 2004 record.
Significance of the Win
The triumph gives Korda a realistic shot at a season Grand Slam and moves her closer to LPGA Hall of Fame induction. At 27, she becomes the youngest American to win four majors since Mickey Wright (1960). The victory also underscores the impact of her mental-game overhaul and cements her dominance on the LPGA Tour.
Official Statements & Responses
Korda described the win as “a dream” and emphasized the historic nature of Riviera, noting the crowd’s support. LPGA officials highlighted the record purse and confirmed that Korda’s points now place her within striking distance of Hall of Fame eligibility. Tournament organizers praised the competitive field and the dramatic finish on the 18th green.
Criticism & Opposition
Charley Hull expressed frustration after finishing second again: “It’s frustrating… another second place.” She added that she thrives under pressure but remains disappointed with the result.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Final score: AP and several outlets list 8-under 276; ESPN reports 8-under 269.
- Final-putt length: Described as 2 ft 10 in, 2½ ft, and 2 ft 10 in in different sources.
- No official clarification has been issued on these discrepancies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel like I'm in a dream,” — Nelly Korda, post-round interview
- “It’s such a dream, it’s an iconic golf course and venue. It’s a dream to win here, the golf course holds so much history and to have my name alongside so many great champions is a dream come true.” — Nelly Korda, press conference
- “Another second place.” — Charley Hull, post-tournament remarks
- “I’m not going to get too frustrated,” — Nelly Korda, pre-final-round interview
- “I started at the beginning of the year writing positive notes to myself in my bathroom,” — Nelly Korda, season-long mindset discussion
Looking Ahead
Korda now targets the remaining three majors this season, with a potential Grand Slam on the line and the Hall of Fame points race tightening as the LPGA schedule progresses.
