World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda shared the lead heading into the final round of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open on Sunday [3].
Korda is positioned to make history if she secures the title. A victory would make her the youngest American player to reach four major wins since Mickey Wright in 1960 [1], and the first American to win the first two majors of the season since Pat Bradley in 1986 [2].
Playing at the Riviera Country Club, Korda closed the third round with three straight birdies to move into a co-lead [4]. She is currently tied for the top spot with Sei Young Kim [3].
Korda said she is limiting her need for perfection and focusing on the positive side of her game. By embracing challenges rather than fighting them, she believes a less perfection-driven mindset will improve her performance as she chases the trophy [1].
This mental shift comes at a critical juncture in the tournament. The world No. 1 ranking [5] brings significant pressure, but Korda said she is prioritizing a positive approach to navigate the final holes of the championship [1].
Her performance on Saturday set the stage for a high-stakes conclusion. The momentum from her final three holes of the third round has placed her in a prime position to challenge for the historic milestone [4].
“Korda is limiting her need for perfection and focusing on the positive side of her game.”
Korda's pursuit of these specific records represents a potential shift in the era of American women's golf. By matching achievements not seen since the 1960s and 1980s, she is not just competing for a single trophy but is attempting to establish a level of seasonal dominance that has been absent from the U.S. game for decades.
