DRAMATIC FINISH AS KORDA CAPTURES WOMEN’S US OPEN AT RIVIERA
World Number one Nelly Korda holds the trophy aloft after winning the US Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club (Photo: LPGA)
Nelly Korda delivered another masterclass in composure as she claimed the Women’s US Open at Riviera Country Club, securing her fourth Major and reaffirming her status as the most formidable force in women’s golf.
The drama continued to the end with Korda needing to hole a three foot putt on the final green, which did a full lap of the cup before dropping below ground.
“It’s even sweeter, especially with that ice cream swirl on the last hole,” quipped the world number one after her round.
The 27-year-old closed with a final round two-under 69 for an eight-under total 276 to win by one from England’s Charley Hull and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez. After the dramatic final putt dropped, Korda could breathe a sigh of relief as she won the 81st US Women’s Open and secured here fourth win of the season.
"I didn't feel my best on the back nine," said Korda. "I had a lot of emotions swirling in my stomach, (but) it's a dream come true. I've dreamt about this moment since I was a little girl."
This win was a much tenser affair than her Major win at the Chevron Championship in April where she was a runaway winner. Korda claimed the $2.5million winner’s cheque. It’s all the more remarkable as the winner said she didn’t have her best stuff this week.
"This week was definitely a grind," she added. "I don't even feel like I had my B game. I was just grinding out there, and that's what I guess major championships are all about, right? It doesn't matter if you have your B or C game. You have to be there mentally."
Korda’s final round contained three birdies in all at the opening hole, the sixth and 17th with just the one dropped shot at seven.
It was a disappointing week for the Irish pair of Leona Maguire and Olivia Mehaffey who both missed the cut.