GOLF: Nelly Korda captures US Women's Open as dream year continues

Nelly Korda claimed her first U.S. Women's Open championship on Sunday after sinking a crucial birdie putt on the 17th hole and surviving a dramatic finish at the 18th to secure victory at Riviera Country Club.

Korda fired a 2-under-par 69 in the final round to finish at 8-under 276, edging England's Charley Hull and Mexico's Gaby Lopez by one stroke. South Korea's In Gee Chun was also in contention during a tense back-nine battle before finishing fourth at 6-under.

The 27-year-old American entered the final hole holding a one-shot lead and needed a par to avoid a playoff. Her short par putt appeared to be heading left of the target but caught the edge of the cup and dropped in, sealing a memorable victory in her 12th U.S. Women's Open appearance.

"I knew that I didn't want to miss it right, so I maybe aimed a little bit too far left and pulled it," Korda said. "Your heart rate is going."

The win gives Korda her fourth major championship title and her second major victory of 2026 after capturing the Chevron Championship in April.

"Just a dream to win here," Korda said. "The golf course holds so much history, and to have my name alongside so many great champions is a dream come true."

Lopez surged into contention with four birdies on the back nine, while Hull mounted a strong challenge with an eagle and five birdies. Hull briefly shared the lead after a birdie on the 17th hole and remained tied after making par at the 18th.

Korda, however, regained sole possession of the lead with a birdie on the 17th, one of three birdies she recorded during her final round.

"I knew that I needed to make it," Korda said of her birdie putt on the penultimate hole. "I don't really throw out fist pumps too often, but I did this weekend. I knew what it meant."

Hull finished tied for second at 7-under after carding a final-round 67. The result marked another close call in major championships for the English golfer, who is still seeking her first major title.

"It's just frustrating," Hull said. "Another second place. I played really well the last day, but I missed a couple of putts on the back nine."

Lopez also finished at 7-under following a final-round 68, recording her best finish in a major championship.

"I feel amazing, honestly. I'm not disappointed at all," Lopez said. "I realize that I can win a major championship and put myself in position down the stretch."

Chun finished fourth at 6-under 278, while South Korea's Sei Young Kim placed fifth at 5-under.

Oregon collegiate standout Kiara Romero earned low amateur honors after shooting a 68 to finish tied for sixth at 3-under 281 alongside Japan's Nasa Hataoka.

Defending champion Maja Stark of Sweden finished tied for eighth at 2-under 282 after closing with a 71.

Korda's victory capped a dramatic final round and further solidified her status as one of the leading players in women's golf.

— Field Level Media/Reuters