Nelly Korda and Sei Young Kim will enter the final round of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open tied for the lead at six-under-par. The two players share a one-shot advantage over a crowded leaderboard at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.
Korda, the current World No. 1, surged into contention with consecutive rounds of four-under 67 on Friday and Saturday. After an opening round of 73, Korda made a grip change on the advice of her sister, Jessica, which she credited for her improved performance. Her third round was capped by a decisive run of three consecutive birdies on holes 16, 17, and 18, which pulled her even with Kim. Kim, a one-time major champion, posted a steady 68 on Saturday to earn her spot in Sunday’s final pairing.
The leaderboard is filled with major champions just behind the leaders. In Gee Chun, the 2015 champion, and Jennifer Kupcho are tied for third place at five-under-par. A total of 10 players will begin the final round within three shots of the lead, including England’s Charley Hull, who shot a tournament-best 65 on Saturday to move to three-under.
A victory for Korda would be monumental. It would mark her fourth career major, her second of the 2026 season, and her first U.S. Women’s Open title, an achievement she has openly prioritized. A win is worth two points towards the 27 needed for entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame; Korda currently has 23. For Kim, a victory would represent her second major championship. The final pairing is set to tee off at 3:35 p.m. ET.
