Nelly Korda Made a 10 on a Major Hole, And This U.S. Open Is Her Shot at Total Redemption

Alright, Seattle, listen up! The U.S. Women's Open is kicking off at Riviera Country Club, a place dripping with golf history. Nelly Korda, an absolute *machine* on the LPGA Tour, rolls in as the favorite. But this major has been a different beast for her, and she's got serious demons to exorcise.

Korda's Domination Meets Riviera's Grand Stage

Can we just talk about Nelly Korda? She's on fire, reclaiming World No. 1 from Jeeno Thitikul after snagging the Chevron Championship, the first major of the year! Stats don't lie: three firsts, three seconds, and a T8 in just seven starts. She even said, "It's amazing out here. I mean, the vibe of the place, knowing that so much history has been played out here. It's a great place for us to play." Riviera is legendary, hosting the Genesis Invitational annually and locked in for the 2028 Summer Olympics golf. This is the first women's major here, so the stage is absolutely set.

The Open's Wild Card History and Emerging Threats

Here's the kicker about the U.S. Women's Open: it’s known for shockers. Since Michelle Wie's 2014 win, nine of the last twelve champions were first-time major winners. Wild! Stars like Lydia Ko and Jin Young Ko haven't sealed the deal here, proving its toughness. Then there's Jeeno Thitikul, only 23, with nine top-10 major finishes since 2021, but still no win. She has the talent to break through. Her coach keeps it simple: "We don't have to do anything different because like when you change your routine, that's when you change your mindset." Last year’s champ, Maja Stark, who beat Korda and Rio Takeda, hasn't won anything since, even admitting, "I feel a little bit more pressure than I usually do, I guess." This major is just different, folks.

Michelle Wie West's Final Bow at a Hallowed Ground

Beyond the championship, an emotional subplot unfolds: the final major hurrah for Michelle Wie West. This is her last year using her U.S. Women's Open exemption, and how perfect it's at Riviera! Her husband, Jonnie, is the son of the late Jerry West, a Basketball Hall of Famer, Riviera member, and former Genesis Invitational executive director. Kismet! With her daughter turning six and a two-year-old son, Wie West summed it up: "The fact that it's here at Riviera means so much to me and my family. It feels really magical to be on property playing the U.S. Women's Open, and I feel so honored to be here." It's going to be a tearjerker watching her one last time on this historic course. So, as Korda chases that elusive U.S. Women's Open title, looking to wipe away past misses like that infamous 10 from 2024, and rising stars eye their first major, all while Wie West takes her final walk, this isn't just golf. This is a battle against history, personal demons, and the sheer difficulty of this legendary course. You *know* we'll be glued to every shot from Riviera. Let's see who steps up to etch their name into history this weekend!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.