Nelly Korda Shares Lead at U.S. Women’s Open After Birdies

Nelly Korda birdied the last three holes to share the 54-hole lead at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, standing at 6 under par. Korda’s score of 4-under 67 at Riviera Country Club places her in a tie with Sei Young Kim.

What happened

Nelly Korda posted her second consecutive round of 4-under 67 at the U.S. Women’s Open, tying for the lead after a strong finish with three birdies. Korda and Sei Young Kim are tied at 6 under par after 54 holes, with In Gee Chun and Jennifer Kupcho trailing closely at 5 under.

Korda emphasized the importance of experience in golf, stating, “Experience definitely plays a big role in the leaderboard. But I’m just grateful to be playing another 18 holes in this championship.” Gaby Lopez and Nasa Hataoka, both at 4 under, also aim for their first major title.

Why it matters

A victory would mark Korda’s fourth major title and significantly contribute to her LPGA Hall of Fame points. Each major win counts as two points towards the 27 required for induction. Korda currently holds 23 points, positioning this win as a notable milestone.

Additionally, a successful tournament would showcase her recent positive mindset and improved focus, which she attributes to positive affirmations and self-encouragement.

Background

Korda began the championship with a 2-over 73 on May 20, 2026, but made key adjustments to her grip, resulting in improved play. Her steady ascent on the leaderboard has highlighted her competitive prowess in major tournaments.

Throughout her career, Korda has achieved notable success, including a victory at The Chevron Championship. However, her history at the U.S. Women’s Open has been a mix of success and disappointment.

What's next

The final round of the U.S. Women’s Open will occur on May 28, 2026, where Korda, Kim, Chun, and others will compete for the championship title at the renowned Riviera Country Club.