In a thrilling conclusion to the 81st U.S. Women’s Open, Nelly Korda secured her second consecutive major victory, triumphing over England’s Charley Hull and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez by a single stroke. The final round at the historic Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, saw Korda clinch the title with a nerve-wracking 2.5-foot par putt that curled around the edge of the hole before finally dropping in, leaving her both relieved and ecstatic.
Korda’s Dominance on Full Display
The top-ranked golfer in the world, Korda finished the tournament at an impressive eight-under 276, marking her fourth major victory. She delivered a steady performance with a final round score of two-under 69, despite a tense moment on the 18th green that had the crowd holding its breath. “I feel like I’m in a dream,” Korda exclaimed to the gallery, overwhelmed by the support.
Korda’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. After a shaky opening round of 73, during which she controversially switched out of a pair of Nike shoes gifted by basketball legend LeBron James, she rebounded with two consecutive rounds of 67. This resilience propelled her into contention, where she found herself sharing the lead with several competitors as the final round unfolded amid blustery conditions.
A Tightly Contested Final Round
The leaderboard remained tightly packed, with seven players within two strokes of the lead late on Sunday. Korda’s ability to avoid bogeys on the back nine proved pivotal; while her rivals faltered, she maintained her composure. Despite Hull and Lopez’s valiant efforts, both players finished with missed opportunities for their first major titles. Hull, who began the day three shots adrift, made a remarkable surge but ultimately fell just short.
Hull’s journey to the top of the leaderboard was electrifying; she eagled the first hole and surged into contention with two back-to-back birdies after the turn. However, the wind off the Pacific Ocean proved challenging, slowing her momentum. Korda’s birdie on the 17th allowed her to reclaim the lead, and she ultimately sealed her victory with a steady par on the 18th.
The Road Ahead for Korda
Korda’s triumph at the U.S. Women’s Open comes on the heels of her victory at The Chevron Championship in April, marking a remarkable start to her 2023 season. After a frustrating 2025 season where she did not secure a single title, Korda’s resurgence has been characterised by a focus on positivity and mental fortitude. With three wins and three second-place finishes in her first seven events, she is establishing herself as a dominant force in women’s golf.
Three-time major champion In Gee Chun finished two strokes behind Korda at six-under 278, while third-round co-leader Sei Young Kim faltered with a one-over 72, concluding the tournament at 279. The competitive nature of this year’s U.S. Open exemplified the depth of talent in women’s golf, with multiple players demonstrating the ability to challenge for the title.
Why it Matters
Korda’s victory not only cements her status as one of the preeminent players in women’s golf but also serves as an inspiring narrative of resilience and determination. Her triumph at the U.S. Women’s Open highlights the increasing competitiveness of the sport and the excitement surrounding its future. As she continues to build on her success, Korda’s journey could inspire a new generation of golfers, further elevating the profile of women’s golf on the global stage.
