PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Nelly Korda sank a wobbling par putt on the 18th hole Sunday to capture her first U.S. Women’s Open title, completing a dramatic final-round victory at Riviera Country Club.
Korda, the world No. 1, closed with a 2-under 69 for an 8-under 276 total, one stroke ahead of England’s Charley Hull and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez. It marked her fourth major championship and second of 2026 after her recent Chevron Championship win.
Korda opened with a shaky 73 but followed with two straight 67s to position herself for the win. Tied for the lead with Sei Young Kim entering the final round, the American superstar birdied the par-5 17th with a 9-footer to seize a one-shot advantage. On the uphill par-4 18th, she drove 288 yards, approached to 35 feet and lagged her third to about 3 feet. Her par putt wavered a bit, but dropped in, prompting visible relief and cheers from the pro-Korda fans surrounding the iconic 18th hole.
The 27-year-old credited her short game, including a grip tweak from sister Jessica, for key up-and-downs throughout the week. She earned $2.5 million from the record $12.5 million purse.
Hull fired a 67 to reach 7 under, while Lopez posted 68 for the same total. In-gee Chun (70) finished fourth at 6 under, while overnight co-leader Young (72) dropped to solo fifth at -5.
Korda’s triumph at the historic Riviera venue, hosting the event for the first time, fulfilled a long-held goal.
“I feel like I’m in a dream,” Korda said. “I can’t even explain how much this means to me. It’s a dream come true for that little girl who first stepped onto the range.”
The victory solidifies Korda’s dominance in women’s golf.
