Nelly Korda Captures U.S. Women’s Open, Claims Fourth Career Major

Photo: Nelly Korda at the 2026 Chevron Championship, where she claimed the first major title of her season. Courtesy of the LPGA

Words: Rick Woelfel

Nelly Korda stood tall at Riviera on Sunday evening. The world No. 1 emerged from a crowded field of contenders to claim the 81^st United States Women’s Open Championship.

Her closing 69 brought her home in 8-under par 276. Charley Hull and Gaby Lopez finished a shot behind at 277 after rounds of 65 and 70, respectively. 2015 Women’s Open champion In Gee Chun was at 278, while Si Young Kim closed at 279. Nasa Hataoka was at 281 along with low amateur Kiara Romero.

All of the above, save for Romero, had a legitimate chance to leave Riviera Country Club with the Harton S. Semple Trophy.

Afterwards, Korda did her best to describe the emotions of the moment. She told the LPGA:

“That 14-year-old girl that stepped on the range at Sebonack in 2013, her dream has just come true sitting next to this trophy right now,” she said.

“It's really hard to put into words. This week was definitely a grind. I don't even feel like I had my B game. I was just grinding out there. And that's what I guess major championships are all about, right? It doesn't matter if you have your B or C game, you have to be there mentally.

“And I have a great support system off the golf course, on the golf course, and I literally would not be standing here without millions of pep talks I just got on the golf course from caddie [Jason McDade].”

Korda reflected on whether this win impacted her legacy.

“I've never really thought about the legacy of my career, if I'm being completely honest,” she said. “I just really love competing and I love being in this position of having a big lead going into Sunday or being tied for the lead and having to absolutely grind it out.

“I have dreamt about this moment since I was a little girl. I watched my sister [Jessica] compete in the Women's Open from a really young age.”

Photo: Nelly Korda at the 2026 Chevron Championship, where she claimed the first major title of her season. Courtesy of the LPGA

Now to the record books:

The victory was Korda's 19th LPGA Tour title, fourth major championship, fourth win of the 2026 season, and second major title of the year.

Korda is the first player to win the first two majors of the season since Inbee Park won what is now the Chevron Championship and Wegmans LPGA Championship. Park went on to win the Women’s Open that year, giving her that season’s first three major titles. Park was also the last player before Korda to win the Chevron Championship and the Women’s Open in the same season.

Korda, who turns 28 next month, is the youngest American to win four major titles since Mickey Wright in 1960. Her other three are the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2021 and the Chevron Championship in 2024 and 2026.

As points of comparison, Karrie Webb won six major championships before her 28th birthday; Annika Sorenstam won two.

Observations and Takeaways from the Women’s Open

• The talent pool on the LPGA Tour is deeper than ever. When the final round started on Sunday, 10 players were within three shots of the lead and a total of 15 were within four shots.
• Women's golf as a global phenomenon was reflected on the leaderboard. The top 8 and ties comprised of 13 players from nine different nations: United States, England, Mexico, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Sweden, Colombia, and China.
•  A group of 25 female turf professionals from around the country assisted the crew at Riviera this week. Women in Turf has been part of every Women’s Open since 2021 as well as an assortment of other events.