The 2026 US Women’s Open crowned a new champion at Riviera Country Club, and the story behind the win is as dramatic as the final scorecard. World No. 1 Nelly Korda claimed her first-ever US Women’s Open title on June 7, 2026, edging the field by a single stroke after a nerve-racking finish on the back nine. She closed at 8-under par, and her win also came with a record payday from the largest purse in the tournament’s history.
If you are searching for what happened at the US Women’s Open this year, who won, how much prize money was on the line, or where the tournament heads next, this guide covers every detail. We will walk through the final leaderboard, break down the complete US Women’s Open payout structure, and look at how the purse has grown over the past few seasons.
Quick Facts: 2026 US Women’s Open
Before diving into the details, here is a snapshot table covering everything you need to know about this year’s championship.
| Category | Details |
| Tournament | 81st US Women’s Open |
| Dates | June 4 to 7, 2026 |
| Venue | Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California |
| Champion | Nelly Korda |
| Winning Score | 8-under par (276) |
| Margin of Victory | 1 stroke |
| Total Purse | $12.5 million |
| Winner’s Prize | $2.5 million |
| Golfers Who Made the Cut | 63 professionals |
| Low Amateur | Kiara Romero (tied for 6th) |
| Defending Champion | Maja Stark (tied for 8th in 2026) |
| Next Venue | Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio (2027) |
How Nelly Korda Won the 2026 US Women’s Open
Korda entered the final round already in contention, but the closing stretch is what will be remembered. She sank a clutch birdie on the 17th hole to take the lead, then followed it up with a steady par putt on 18 to seal the win. That two-hole sequence turned out to be the difference between first place and a playoff.
Her final total of 276 strokes, 8-under par, was enough to hold off a crowded chasing pack. This victory marked Korda’s first career US Women’s Open crown and her fourth major championship overall, cementing her status as the top player in women’s golf heading into the second half of the season.
A Historic Host Venue
There was another storyline running alongside Korda’s win. Riviera Country Club hosted a USGA women’s championship for the very first time in its long history. The Pacific Palisades course has hosted plenty of men’s professional events over the decades, so bringing the US Women’s Open to Riviera in 2026 was a milestone moment for the tournament and for women’s golf in general.
2026 US Women’s Open Final Leaderboard
Here is how the top ten finished at Riviera Country Club. Notice how tightly bunched the scores were near the top, which made the final round so tense.
| Position | Player | Country | To Par | Total Strokes | Prize Money |
| 1 | Nelly Korda | United States | -8 | 276 | $2,500,000 |
| T2 | Charley Hull | England | -7 | 277 | $1,089,774 |
| T2 | Gaby López | Mexico | -7 | 277 | $1,089,774 |
| 4 | In Gee Chun | South Korea | -6 | 278 | $581,535 |
| 5 | Sei Young Kim | South Korea | -5 | 279 | $484,363 |
| T6 | Nasa Hataoka | Japan | -3 | 281 | $429,478 |
| T6 | Kiara Romero (a) | United States | -3 | 281 | Amateur |
| T8 | Allisen Corpuz | United States | -2 | 282 | $319,831 |
| T8 | Jennifer Kupcho | United States | -2 | 282 | $319,831 |
| T8 | Pajaree Anannarukarn | Thailand | -2 | 282 | $319,831 |
| T8 | Ruoning Yin | China | -2 | 282 | $319,831 |
| T8 | Maja Stark | Sweden | -2 | 282 | $319,831 |
| T8 | María José Marín (a) | Colombia | -2 | 282 | Amateur |
Note: (a) denotes an amateur player, and amateurs do not receive prize money under USGA rules.
Standout Performances Worth Watching
A few names on that leaderboard deserve extra attention. Charley Hull and Gaby López tied for second, only one stroke behind Korda, which shows just how competitive the final round really was. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Kiara Romero finished tied for sixth as the low amateur of the tournament, an impressive result against a field stacked with major champions. On the flip side, defending champion Maja Stark could not repeat her 2025 form, settling for a tie for eighth at 2-under par.
US Women’s Open Payout: Complete Breakdown
Now let’s get into the numbers everyone wants to know. The US Women’s Open payout for 2026 set a new benchmark for women’s golf. The tournament offered a record-breaking $12.5 million total purse, and Nelly Korda walked away with a historic $2.5 million check for the win, the largest first-place prize in the event’s history.
In total, 63 professional golfers made the cut at Riviera Country Club and qualified for a share of the US Women’s Open payout. Amateurs like Kiara Romero and María José Marín finished inside the top ten, but per USGA rules, amateur competitors are not eligible for prize money regardless of where they place.
Top 10 US Women’s Open Payouts for 2026
| Finish | Player(s) | Payout |
| 1st (Winner) | Nelly Korda | $2,500,000 |
| T2 | Charley Hull, Gaby López | $1,089,774 each |
| 4th | In Gee Chun | $581,535 |
| 5th | Sei Young Kim | $484,363 |
| T6 | Nasa Hataoka | $429,478 |
| T6 | Kiara Romero (a) | $0 (Amateur) |
| T8 | Pajaree Anannarukarn, Allisen Corpuz, Maja Stark, Ruoning Yin, Jennifer Kupcho | $319,831 each |
| T8 | María José Marín (a) | $0 (Amateur) |
For the complete list covering all 63 professionals who made the cut, the official source has the full breakdown of the US Women’s Open payout structure round by round.
How the US Women’s Open Purse Has Grown Over Time
One reason the US Women’s Open payout keeps making headlines is the sheer pace of growth. The USGA has steadily increased the total prize pool over the last several editions, and the jump has been dramatic when you look at it year over year.
| Year | Total Purse |
| 2021 | $5.5 million |
| 2022 | $10.0 million |
| 2024 | $12.0 million |
| 2026 | $12.5 million |
In just five years, the total purse for the US Women’s Open more than doubled. That kind of financial investment reflects the rising commercial value of women’s professional golf, and it also raises expectations for future editions of the tournament.
Why This Matters for the Sport
This growth in the US Women’s Open payout is not just a number on a spreadsheet. It signals stronger sponsorship interest, bigger broadcast deals, and a growing fan base for women’s golf. As the purse climbs, it also becomes easier for the USGA to attract top international talent and give amateur players a bigger stage to prove themselves, even if the amateurs themselves are not chasing prize money.
Where the US Women’s Open Goes Next
The USGA has already confirmed host venues for the next three editions of the championship, so fans and players alike can start planning ahead.
- 2027: Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio (June 3 to 6)
- 2028: Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pennsylvania (June 1 to 4)
- 2029: Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, Course No. 2, Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina (June 7 to 10)
Each of these courses carries serious major championship pedigree, and fans can expect the US Women’s Open payout to keep climbing as these events approach, following the same upward trend seen since 2021.
Conclusion
The 2026 US Women’s Open will be remembered for Nelly Korda’s clutch finish at a historic new venue, but the record US Women’s Open payout is just as big a part of the story. With a $12.5 million purse and a $2.5 million top prize, this year’s tournament set a new financial benchmark for women’s golf while delivering one of the tightest finishes in recent memory. As the US Women’s Open heads to Inverness, Oakmont, and Pinehurst over the next three years, expect both the competition and the payout to keep growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 US Women’s Open?
Nelly Korda won the 2026 US Women’s Open, finishing at 8-under par (276) to claim her first title at this major and her fourth major championship overall.
Where was the 2026 US Women’s Open held?
The tournament was played at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, marking the first time this venue hosted a USGA women’s championship.
How much was the total US Women’s Open payout in 2026?
The total purse reached a record $12.5 million, making it the largest prize pool in the tournament’s history.
How much prize money did Nelly Korda win?
Korda earned $2.5 million for winning, the largest first-place check ever awarded at the US Women’s Open.
Do amateur players receive part of the US Women’s Open payout?
No, Amateur golfers, such as low amateur Kiara Romero, are not eligible for prize money under USGA rules, even if they finish inside the top ten.
How many golfers received a payout at the 2026 tournament?
A total of 63 professional golfers made the cut at Riviera Country Club and qualified for a share of the prize money.