Nelly Korda shines at the U.S. Women’s Open with a 67 in the second round.

Nelly Korda made a remarkable comeback in the second round of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, demonstrating her determination to compete for the title at the prestigious tournament held at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. Following a challenging start on Thursday, the world number one dazzled with an impressive 67, four under par, the best score of the day. With five birdies and no major mistakes, Korda climbed to ninth place, just two strokes off the lead, firmly placing herself in contention for victory.

The American acknowledged that the turnaround came after a rigorous practice session on the driving range following the first round. “I still hit a few balls to the right today, but it was much, much better,” Korda admitted. “I was able to hit some good shots.”

At the top of the leaderboard, the tight contest continues with Chinese player Ruoning Yin and American Alison Lee tied for the lead at four under par. Yin stood out by completing the round without any bogeys, while Lee had just one slip-up on the ninth hole. Yin expressed confidence: “It’s a major, it’s tough. Everyone knows that. I just need to stay patient because I know my game is in the right place.”

Alison Lee, currently ranked 145th in the world, is seeking her first victory on the LPGA Tour, a goal she has pursued with determination despite personal difficulties. “When I became a mother, I thought I wouldn’t play again. It would be too difficult. I still haven’t won on the LPGA, and that has been my biggest goal since turning professional. I had a lot of success in junior and college golf, and I’ve been close on Tour, but I still haven’t been able to secure that win.”

Jennifer Kupcho, who led after the first round, fell into a tie for third place, alongside five other players, while the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open champion, Maja Stark, ended the day in 24th place, with a round of 71 that included an eagle on the 17th hole.

Among the amateurs, standout performances came from 20-year-old Kiara Romero, participating in her third consecutive tournament, and 16-year-old rising star Aphrodite Deng, both at one over par.

Michelle Wie West, a LPGA legend who returned to competition for this Open, did not make the cut. “Pebble felt like a farewell, but this isn’t the week to end my career. It was fun to be back practicing and competing under pressure. I made some good birdies today and felt that adrenaline again that only competitive golf provides,” she stated.

Wie West is now preparing to join the WTGL, a new women’s team golf league created by the LPGA and TMRW Sports, set to debut in the winter of 2026 at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This competition promises to revolutionize the traditional format, featuring fast-paced and exciting matchups between LPGA Tour stars.

Lydia Ko saw her attempt to complete her career grand slam slip away as she missed the cut by a stroke after a round of 73. Madelene Sagstrom, who is seven months pregnant, also failed to advance but continues to impress with her determination. Sagstrom stated that she will keep playing as long as she feels good, until the tour moves out of the United States in July. Alison Lee praised the Swedish player’s courage: “It’s incredibly impressive. A lot of people don’t realize what she’s going through. Playing like this while seven months pregnant is something I couldn’t do.”

The 2026 U.S. Women’s Open is proving to be a vibrant edition, filled with surprises, drama, and an intense battle for glory on one of the biggest stages in world golf. Anticipation is building for the third round, where every stroke could make the difference between glory and failure.

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