Nelly Korda surged into a share of the lead at the U.S. Women’s Open on Saturday, carding a 4-under-par 67 at Riviera Country Club. Tied with Sei Young Kim at 6-under overall, Korda enters Sunday’s final round in her best position yet to capture her first Open title after a dramatic late-round birdie streak. The leaderboard remains exceptionally tight, with only three strokes separating the top six competitors as the field prepares for the final 18 holes at the historic Pacific Palisades venue.
Korda’s Shift to “Free Nelly”
After opening the championship with a frustrating 2-over 73 on Thursday, Korda has effectively course-corrected her game and her mindset. According to The New York Times, the world No. 1 credits a deliberate attitude shift for her improved performance. Rather than fixating on the pressure of the major, she has opted for a more relaxed approach to keep her nerves at bay.
“I think last year I really, really wanted it, and the more you want it sometimes, the more you stiffen up and you get a little bit more nervous. I play my best golf when I’m happy, free Nelly, and I’m kind of joking around out there. So that’s kind of the attitude that I’m going to have tomorrow.”Nelly Korda, via The New York Times
This mental recalibration is paired with a technical adjustment. Korda revealed that her sister, Jessica, provided a tip regarding her grip before the second round. By moving her left hand to a stronger position, Korda saw an immediate statistical impact: she gained 2.61 shots in approach play on Saturday, a sharp turnaround from the 0.65 shots lost in that category during Thursday’s opening round. This efficiency was vital on the firm, fast greens of Riviera, where ball-striking precision remains the primary determinant of success according to tournament officials.
Equipment Changes and Course Management
The path to the top of the leaderboard was not without its logistical hurdles. The Los Angeles Times reported that Korda abandoned the shoes gifted to her by LeBron James midway through her first round. The Nike Victory Pro 4s were reportedly too loose, contributing to erratic tee shots early in the tournament. Korda opted for her standard, custom-fitted footwear for the remainder of the week to ensure stability on Riviera’s undulating fairways.
Since that equipment change, Korda’s navigation of the Riviera layout has been precise. Her third round was defined by a late-day rally: she birdied the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes to close out her 67. The finish marks the fourth time in her career that she will play in the final group at a major, tying her with Minjee Lee for the highest total over the past decade, according to data from the Elias Sports Bureau. Korda’s ability to execute under pressure in the final pairing has been a recurring theme in her 2026 campaign, which has already seen her ascend to the top of the LPGA Tour’s season-long points race.
The Competitive Landscape at Riviera
The leaderboard heading into Sunday is packed with major championship pedigree. As noted by the BBC, this tournament marks the first U.S. Women’s Open in 30 years where each of the top three players after 54 holes are already major champions.
- Nelly Korda: Tied for first, seeking her first U.S. Women’s Open title.
- Sei Young Kim: Tied for first, 2020 Women’s PGA champion.
- Jennifer Kupcho: One shot off the lead, 2022 Chevron champion.
- In-Gee Chun: One shot off the lead, 2015 U.S. Women’s Open and 2022 Women’s PGA champion.
Kupcho, who led after the first round, remains firmly in the hunt after carding a 69 on Saturday. Her pursuit is complicated by a unique personal connection: her husband, Jay Monahan, is currently caddying for Allisen Corpuz, who sits four shots off the lead. Despite the family tie, Kupcho remains focused on her own execution.
“I can’t control what anyone else is doing, so I’m just going to go out there and do my best and see how that matches up with them.”Jennifer Kupcho, via the BBC
The Sunday pairing will be critical for tournament momentum, as the USGA has adjusted pin placements to favor aggressive play on the back nine. Korda’s primary challenger, Sei Young Kim, enters the final round with a reputation for closing out low-scoring affairs, having won the 2020 Women’s PGA Championship with a record-breaking performance. For Korda, Sunday represents a chance to solidify her hold on the world No. 1 ranking, which she has defended consistently since the early spring.
As the final round commences, the stakes remain high for Korda. Having won the Chevron Championship in April, she is currently aiming to secure her second major of the year. While she finished as a runner-up at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, she enters Sunday’s final pairing with a different perspective, embracing the challenges of the course rather than fearing the potential for failure. With the prize purse reaching a record $12 million this year, the financial and historical significance of the trophy is at an all-time high for all participants. Korda is scheduled to tee off in the final group at 2:10 p.m. local time, weather permitting, as the LPGA Tour monitors potential afternoon winds that could impact the final standings.
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