Korda secures historic U.S. Women's Open victory at Riviera
Nelly Korda finished at 8-under par to defeat Charley Hull and Gaby Lopez, becoming the third player in three decades to win the first two majors of the calendar year.
Nelly Korda claimed the 81st U.S. Women's Open title on Sunday at Riviera Country Club, securing her second consecutive major championship with a tense finish that saw her final putt circle the cup before dropping. The American golfer finished at 8-under 276, holding off runners-up Charley Hull and Gaby Lopez by a single shot to capture her fourth major victory and 19th career LPGA Tour win.
The tournament, which featured a record $12.5 million purse, concluded with a dramatic moment on the 18th green. Korda’s 2.5-foot par putt caught the left edge and toured half the circumference of the hole before falling, prompting a reaction of disbelief followed by relief from the champion. The victory marks a significant milestone, making Korda the third player in the last 30 years to win each of the first two majors of the calendar year.
Korda’s path to the title required steady composure after a challenging start to the event. Following a rough opening-round 73, during which she changed out of a pair of Nike shoes gifted to her by LeBron James, she recovered with back-to-back 67s. Her momentum continued into the final round, where a crucial 9-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole broke a four-way tie involving Lopez, Hull, and In Gee Chun.
Charley Hull began the day three shots back and charged into the lead before the wind picked up off the Pacific. The Englishwoman, who had adjusted her strategy to play more aggressively after struggling with green speeds in the early rounds, finished with a 67, placing her 10 under par for the final two rounds. However, a bogey on the 14th hole allowed the leaders to rejoin the contest, and she ultimately finished one shot behind Korda.
Gaby Lopez also mounted a late challenge, making a 15-foot putt on the 18th to join the leaders, but she could not overtake Korda. In Gee Chun finished two shots back at 6-under 278, while third-round co-leader Sei Young Kim carded a 1-over 72 to finish at 279. Korda’s victory adds to a spectacular season that includes three wins and three second-place finishes in her first seven starts, following a winless 2025 campaign.
