World No. 1 Nelly Korda is contending at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at The Riviera Country Club, having surged into contention following an exceptional third round. After an opening 2-over 73 on Thursday, Korda improved significantly, carding a 4-under 67 to climb the leaderboard as the tournament heads into its final stages.
Nelly Korda’s Performance at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open
Nelly Korda entered the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open as a primary focus for observers, following a season that included three wins, three second-place finishes, and consistent top-10 placements. Her opening round at Riviera Country Club proved challenging; she carded a 2-over 73, which left her outside the top 50 and seven strokes behind the initial leader, Jennifer Kupcho, according to Golf Channel.
Korda’s first round was marked by notable equipment adjustments. She began the day wearing shoes gifted to her by LeBron James, but she ultimately opted to switch to her regular footwear from her locker while on the 16th hole because the initial pair felt too loose. Despite a difficult start that included a shanked greenside bunker shot on the 13th hole—resulting in a save for bogey—Korda’s performance stabilized. She finished her third round with a 4-under 67, signaling a strong recovery in her quest for the championship, as reported by official tournament highlights.
Tournament Context and Player Form
The 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera serves as a major test for the world’s top-ranked player. Korda’s journey through the 2026 season has been characterized by high-level production, making her a central figure at the tournament. Her performance in the opening round was highlighted by gritty saves; specifically, she managed to escape the first nine holes at only 1 over par despite inconsistent putting. She missed several birdie opportunities on holes 14 through 17 by narrow margins before successfully sinking a 13-foot putt on the 18th to save par.
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Championship
- Opening Round Struggles: Korda began the tournament with a 2-over 73, placing her seven strokes off the lead held by Jennifer Kupcho.
- Equipment Adjustments: During her first round, Korda changed her shoes on the 16th hole after finding that a pair gifted by LeBron James did not fit securely.
- Third Round Momentum: Korda significantly improved her standing by firing a 4-under 67 during the third round of play at the Riviera Country Club.
- Consistent Season: Prior to this event, Korda recorded three wins and three second-place finishes during the 2026 LPGA Tour season.
As the tournament concludes, the focus remains on whether Korda can maintain the momentum from her 67-stroke third round to secure her national championship title. Her ability to navigate the pressure of the final round at the historic Riviera layout remains the defining narrative of the week.