Nelly Korda surged to the top of the leaderboard at the U.S. Women’s Open after a 4-under-par 67 during round three. She is currently tied with Sei Young Kim.
What happened
Korda closed her round with three consecutive birdies, which she called impressive. Her performance included an early chip-in birdie on No. 3 and an 18-foot putt on No. 6. After a bogey on the challenging 8th hole, Korda maintained seven consecutive pars before concluding with another birdie.
Korda achieved a significant improvement compared to her first round score of 2-over 73. She credited her sister Jessica for a grip adjustment that enhanced her ball-striking abilities after a less favorable opening round.
Why it matters
Korda’s current position increases the pressure for the final round of this significant tournament. Aiming for her first U.S. Women’s Open title, she seeks to build on her already distinguished career, which includes 18 LPGA Tour victories. This championship is also a chance for her to regain momentum following an uncharacteristically winless season in 2025.
Background
Korda entered the U.S. Women’s Open on May 20, 2026, after a series of strong performances earlier in the year. However, her initial round fell short of expectations, leaving her in a difficult position. Feedback from her coach and family support played key roles in her turnaround.
Her adjustments, particularly the grip change, became evident during the second round, which set the stage for her successful third round performance.
What's next
The final round of the U.S. Women’s Open is set for June 8, 2026, where Korda will compete for the championship title against Sei Young Kim and other top competitors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of the U.S. Women’s Open?
The U.S. Women’s Open is played over four rounds of stroke play.
When is the final round of the U.S. Women’s Open?
The final round will be held on June 8, 2026.
Related coverage on CR Today
Sources
- CR Today — Nelly Korda at U.S. Women’s Open (accessed 2026-06-07)
