Nelly Korda enters the final round of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club sharing the lead at 6 under par with Sei Young Kim. After a second consecutive 4-under 67, Korda is positioned to contend for her fourth major title, which would move her closer to the LPGA Hall of Fame entry requirement of 27 points.
How a Grip Adjustment Fueled Korda’s Surge
Nelly Korda’s performance at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open shifted following a technical intervention from her sister, Jessica Korda. After opening the tournament with a 2-over 73, Korda implemented a grip change suggested by her sister. The adjustment yielded immediate results, as Korda followed with back-to-back 67s to climb into a tie for the 54-hole lead.
Her Saturday round featured a chip-in on the third hole and an 18-footer on the sixth. Despite a bogey on the eighth, Korda finished the day with three consecutive birdies, hitting her final two drives with notable power. Korda currently holds 23 LPGA Hall of Fame points; a victory at this major would add two points toward the 27 needed for entry.
Who are the Top Contenders at Riviera?
The leaderboard heading into Sunday is packed with major championship winners. According to the official LPGA leaderboard, the current standings are:
- N. Korda (USA): -6
- Sei Young Kim (KOR): -6
- I. Chun (KOR): -5
- J. Kupcho (USA): -5
Experience is a recurring theme at the top of the field. Korda noted that experience plays a significant role in how major championships shape up. Alongside the leaders, Gaby Lopez, Nasa Hataoka, and Ruoning Yin sit at 4 under, while Charley Hull and Alison Lee are in the mix at 3 under.
The Mental Shift Behind the World No. 1
Korda’s 2026 season marks a departure from her previous winless campaign. After losing her world No. 1 status, she has rebounded with victories at The Chevron Championship and an event in Mexico. Korda attributes part of this turnaround to a new mental strategy involving positive reinforcement.
“I started at the beginning of the year writing positive notes to myself in my bathroom,” Korda said. She maintains this habit by traveling with Post-it notes, which she sticks to mirrors as reminders for the week. This shift in mindset accompanies a season that has seen her finish in the top 10 in all but one of her starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many major titles does Nelly Korda have?
As of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, Nelly Korda has three major titles, including two wins at The Chevron Championship and one at the KPMG Women’s PGA.
What is the current LPGA Hall of Fame status for Korda?
Korda holds 23 LPGA Hall of Fame points. A major championship victory is worth two points, meaning she requires 27 points total for entry.
Where is the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open being played?
The tournament is being held at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, from June 4–7, 2026.
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