Nelly Korda’s Dominance: A Look at Her Recent Major Championship Performance
Nelly Korda secured her second consecutive major championship victory at the US Women’s Open this past Sunday, finishing at eight-under par to claim the title. The 27-year-old held off late charges from Charley Hull and Gaby Lopez, clinching the win by a single stroke despite a tense, rim-circling par putt on the 18th hole.
How Did Nelly Korda Win the US Women’s Open?
Korda maintained a steady performance throughout the final round, carding a two-under 69 to finish the tournament at eight-under. The victory was defined by her composure on the back nine; while other contenders struggled with the windy conditions at Riviera, Korda remained the only player among the leaders to avoid a bogey during the final stretch. Her path to the trophy included a crucial 9-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, which allowed her to break a four-way tie for the lead. By finishing the 18th with a two-putt par, she secured the winner’s share of the $12.5 million purse, which totaled $2.5 million.
What Does This Victory Mean for Korda’s Season?
This win marks Korda’s fourth career major title and serves as a high point in a season defined by a dramatic turnaround. After failing to record a victory in 2025, Korda has seen a resurgence in 2026, including a win at The Chevron Championship in April. Across her first seven starts of the current season, she has accumulated three victories and three second-place finishes. Korda attributed her success to a shift in her competitive mentality, emphasizing a focus on patience and steadiness following her winless streak last year.
Who Were the Primary Contenders Challenging Korda?
The leaderboard remained crowded for much of Sunday, with seven players beginning the final round within two strokes of the lead. England’s Charley Hull and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez provided the most significant pressure on the champion. Hull, who started the day three shots behind, surged into the lead early in the final round before the wind off the Pacific Ocean increased the difficulty of the course. Both Hull and Lopez narrowly missed out on what would have been their first major championship victories. The four-way tie for the lead late in the round also included three-time major champion In Gee Chun.
Tournament Performance Comparison
| Player | Final Round Status |
|---|---|
| Nelly Korda | Winner; bogey-free on back nine |
| Charley Hull | Challenged for lead; finished one stroke back |
| Gaby Lopez | Challenged for lead; finished one stroke back |
What Happens Next in the Women’s Golf Circuit?
Following her performance at Riviera, Korda continues to solidify her standing as the dominant force in professional women’s golf. Her ability to bounce back from an opening-round 73—a round during which she notably changed her shoes—to post back-to-back 67s highlights her resilience. As the season progresses, the focus shifts to whether Korda can maintain this momentum in upcoming tour events. Her current form, characterized by high-pressure accuracy and a refined mental approach, suggests she remains the favorite in any field she enters for the remainder of the year.