World No. 1 Nelly Korda recorded a 2-over 73 during her opening round at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, finishing outside the top 50 and trailing leader Jennifer Kupcho by seven strokes.
What happened
Korda began her round in shoes gifted by LeBron James but switched to her regular pair after finding them loose. She saved par at the par-4 10th hole and earned her first birdie on the par-5 11th. However, she encountered difficulties with bogeys on the 12th and 13th holes. According to Golf Channel, Korda shanked a greenside bunker shot, leaving herself more than 72 feet from the hole. Despite missing several birdie putts later, she saved par at the par-4 18th by sinking a putt from nearly 13 feet.
Why it matters
Korda’s performance complicates her defense of the major title. As one of the tournament favorites, her struggles could affect her confidence and ranking, particularly as competition intensifies. In this prestigious event, every stroke carries significant weight.
Background
Leading up to the U.S. Women’s Open, Korda demonstrated strong performance with a victory at the Chevron Championship on May 20, 2026. However, inconsistent results in recent events raised questions about her form, increasing anticipation regarding her ability to handle pressure at Riviera Country Club.
What's next
Korda is scheduled to tee off for her second round at 4:14 p.m. ET on Friday, where she will aim to recover from her challenging start and improve her standing in the tournament.
Frequently asked questions
What was Nelly Korda's score in the first round?
Nelly Korda carded a score of 2-over 73 in the first round.
When will Nelly Korda play her second round?
Korda will begin her second round at 4:14 p.m. ET on Friday.
Related coverage on CR Today
Sources
- Golf Channel — LPGA Highlights: 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, Round 1 (accessed 2026-06-05)
