Nelly Korda, currently the world’s No. 1 female golfer, is set to compete in the U.S. Women’s Open at the historic Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. Korda, who narrowly missed winning the title last year, is motivated by her past disappointments and recent achievements, including a major victory at The Chevron Championship and three additional wins this season.

Korda expressed her determination to succeed, stating, “I was just hungry for more,” reflecting on her experiences from the previous year. Her dedication has paid off, as she has returned to the top of the rankings and is a favorite to win at Riviera, which is hosting the women’s Open for the first time.

In preparation for the tournament, Korda took two weeks off to rest and familiarize herself with the course, which she had only played once before. She is excited to compete at a venue with such a rich history, noting, “It’s amazing out here… it’s a great place for us to play.”

Rising Stars and Returning Champions

Alongside Korda, other notable players are making headlines at the Open. Maja Stark, last year’s champion, returned the trophy as part of tradition and is eager to compete again. Stark has been focusing on the mental aspects of her game, which has helped her climb to 23rd in the world rankings.

Newcomers Megha Ganne and Catherine Park are making their professional debuts at Riviera. Ganne, who recently led Stanford to an NCAA title, is transitioning from amateur to professional golf with guidance from experienced players like Lydia Ko. Regardless of her performance, Ganne is set to graduate from Stanford next week.

Michelle Wie West is also making a return to the sport, playing her first tournament since the 2023 U.S. Open. The former champion, now a mother of two, is using her final year of exemption to compete at Riviera, with her husband serving as her caddy and her daughter cheering her on.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.