Nelly Korda secured her first U.S. Women’s Open title at the prestigious Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, overcoming a tense final round to finish at 8-under 276. This victory marks Korda’s fourth major title, adding to her impressive 2026 season, which includes a win at the Chevron Championship.

A Dramatic Finish

Korda’s victory was sealed with a crucial birdie putt on the 17th hole, followed by a nerve-wracking par putt on the 18th. Despite initial doubts as the ball veered left, it ultimately circled the cup and fell in, securing her place as the champion. “I knew that I didn’t want to miss it right, so I like maybe had aimed a little bit too far left and pulled it,” Korda reflected on her decisive putt.

Her competitors, Charley Hull from England and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, finished just one stroke behind. Hull, who has faced several close calls in major tournaments, expressed her frustration with another second-place finish, while Lopez celebrated her strong performance as a sign of her potential to win a major.

Strong Performances from Competitors

South Korea’s In Gee Chun and Sei Young Kim also delivered notable performances, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Chun’s round included four birdies but was marred by three bogeys in the final seven holes, while Kim, who shared the third-round lead with Korda, ended with four birdies and five bogeys.

Kiara Romero, a collegiate star from Oregon, impressed as the low amateur, tying for sixth place alongside Japan’s Nasa Hataoka. Defending champion Maja Stark of Sweden finished in a tie for eighth.

The tournament was held at a course steeped in history, just blocks away from the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, which experienced a devastating fire in early 2025. Korda expressed her admiration for the venue, stating, “Just 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.”

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.