Nelly Korda delivered a masterclass performance to claim her first U.S. Women’s Open title at Riviera, adding the prestigious major to her growing collection of achievements. The victory marked her fourth win of the season and fourth major championship, further cementing her position as one of the dominant forces in women’s golf.
Korda’s ability to perform under pressure was the defining story of Sunday’s final round. Managing editor Josh Berhow noted that Kelda excelled at one of golf’s hardest challenges: winning when expectations are highest. “She’s continuing to do what is one of the hardest things to do in any sport, which is to win when everyone expects you to win,” Berhow observed. Korda finished first or second in seven of her eight starts this season while maintaining her season-long quest toward the Grand Slam.
The smoothness and methodical approach that defines Korda’s game proved invaluable on moving day. Despite the intense pressure of being the favorite, she “kept hitting fairways and didn’t make any mistakes,” Berhow added. This consistent play puts enormous pressure on competitors, as it becomes increasingly difficult for others to mount a serious challenge when the leader avoids errors.
Perhaps even More impressively, Korda demonstrated mental growth that her team had been working on. Senior editor Nick Piastowski highlighted a mindset shift Korda discussed in her Saturday press conference, where she moved away from negative self-talk toward embracing challenges. “Instead of saying, ‘you know, I’m screwed in this position, oh, here we go again,’ she’s embracing the challenges and not walking off the golf course,” Piastowski noted. “She’s just going to figure it out.”
While Korda secured the championship, Charley Hull’s runner-up finish highlighted ongoing struggles among top competitors. Hull has now recorded five second-place major finishes without a victory, creating one of the most compelling storylines as the season progresses.
The combination of star power and historic venue created a memorable tournament that television audiences won’t soon forget. The presence of two of women’s golf’s biggest names—Korda’s smooth precision against Hull’s aggressive style—along with Riviera’s iconic setting produced “must-watch TV,” according to Berhow. The course provided a unique viewer experience, as the women’s approach differed markedly from previous PGA Tour events at the same venue.
Broadcast considerations remain an area for improvement, however, with Sunday’s coverage limited to three hours—a limitation that could impact future major championship broadcasts.
Looking ahead, Korda’s victory positions her as the clear favorite for upcoming events, including the KPMG Women’s PGA where she aims to extend her winning streak. Her success also reignites discussions about the LPGA’s potential to capitalize on increased interest and visibility.
The tournament also showcased the promising future of women’s golf, with four amateurs competing admirably against professional competition. Twenty-year-old Kiara Romero’s sixth-place finish earned low-amateur honors, while other collegians demonstrated that the sport’s pipeline remains strong.
As attention shifts to future majors, the question isn’t just about Korda’s continued dominance, but whether the LPGA can leverage this moment to elevate the sport’s profile and secure more events at prestigious venues like Augusta National.