LOS ANGELES, United States — World No. 1 Nelly Korda captured her long-awaited first U.S. Women’s Open title on Sunday, sinking a decisive birdie putt on the 17th hole to secure a one-shot victory at Riviera Country Club.
Korda closed with a two-under-par 69 for an eight-under total of 276, edging England’s Charley Hull and Mexico’s Gaby López in a tightly contested final round. The triumph marks Korda’s fourth career major title and her second of the year, following her victory at the Chevron Championship in April.
Clutch Birdie at 17 Proves Decisive
Locked in a crowded leaderboard battle on the Pacific Palisades course — which will host golf during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles — Korda delivered under pressure.
Her nine-foot birdie putt on the penultimate hole gave her a narrow lead. At the 18th, she faced another tense moment as her three-foot par putt circled the cup before dropping, sealing the victory.
“I just can’t even explain how much this means to me,” an emotional Korda said during the trophy presentation.
Hull Falls Just Short Again
Hull, who surged into contention with a third-round 65, fired a four-under 67 to finish at seven-under 277. She matched Korda’s birdie at the 17th and drained a crucial nine-foot par putt at the last to keep her hopes alive.
However, Hull ultimately settled for her fifth runner-up finish in a major championship.
López and Chun Round Out the Leaderboard
López carded a three-under 68, pulling into a share of the clubhouse lead with her fourth birdie of the day at 18, only to be overtaken by Korda’s late heroics.
South Korea’s Chun In-gee, the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open champion, briefly held a two-shot lead after back-to-back birdies at 10 and 11. Consecutive bogeys at 12 and 13, however, dented her momentum, and a missed eight-foot par putt at the final hole left her alone in fourth at six-under 278.
Compatriot Kim Sei-young, who began the day tied with Korda at the top, closed with a one-over 72 to finish one stroke further back.
BY: The Times Union
