Nelly Korda captures US Women’s Open title to claim fourth major
Nelly Korda has fulfilled a childhood dream by winning the US Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club on Sunday, claiming the fourth major championship of her career.
The world number one faced immense pressure as the pre-tournament favourite but sealed her victory with a dramatic par putt on the 18th green.
Despite an inconsistent start to the week, the American battled through one of the toughest tests in women’s golf to secure the defining title of her season.
Overcoming early struggles
The tournament did not begin smoothly for the four-time major winner, who shot a disappointing 73 on Thursday to tie for 52nd place.
She struggled with errant drives early in the competition, leaving her unable to find the fairways required to attack Riviera’s notoriously challenging greens.
However, the determined star worked tirelessly with swing coach Jamie Mulligan to correct her wayward form and mount a stunning comeback.
A family celebration in Los Angeles
Her final par putt took a cruel, near 360-degree swirl around the cup before dropping in, sparking wild celebrations from the gathered crowd.
She was greeted greenside by her emotional family, including her sister Jessica, who watched her debut in this prestigious event at age 14 back in 2013.
“That 14-year-old girl that stepped on the range at Sebonack in 2013, her dream has just come true sitting next to this trophy right now.”
The triumphant golfer added that the long-awaited victory was incredibly difficult to put into words.
Destiny fulfilled for the world number one
This historic win serves as the crowning achievement for a player who has comprehensively dominated the sport this year.
Her caddie, Jason McDede, was visibly moved to tears following the trophy presentation in California.
“This is the biggest event in golf, this is the one you want to win. I feel like it was destiny.”
Her father, Petr Korda, noted that lifting this specific trophy had always been his daughter’s ultimate sporting ambition.