World number one Nelly Kord captured her first US Women's Open title on Sunday, holding off England's Charley Hull and Gaby Lopez by a single stroke in a dramatic finish. The victory marks her second consecutive major championship and her fourth major title overall.
Kord completed the final round with a steady two-under 69, but the win came down to a tense moment on the 18th green. Her second putt from just over two feet caught the edge of the cup and rolled halfway around the circumference before dropping in. The dramatic conclusion gave her the one-shot victory over Hull, who was seeking her first major championship.
The American's ability to close out a competitive field under pressure demonstrates the form that has carried her to the world number one ranking. Despite entering the final round as the betting favorite, Kord maintained her composure throughout the closing holes to hold off her challengers and secure the most prestigious title in American women's golf.
Hull's runner-up finish represents her best result at the US Women's Open to date. The English golfer, who has established herself as one of Europe's leading players, continues to pursue her first major championship victory. Her narrow defeat at this event exemplifies the competitive international fields that have increasingly featured at the tournament in recent years.
Kord claimed the $2.5 million first prize for her victory. The US Women's Open holds special significance as the oldest of women's golf's five major championships. The tournament rotates among premier American courses and consistently attracts the strongest fields in women's golf. Winning the event provides automatic entry into the tournament for the next decade and secures a player's place in the sport's history.
The victory comes at a significant moment in women's professional golf. American players have dominated the sport's major championships in recent years, and Kord's win continues that trend. Her success demonstrates her ability to perform in high-pressure situations, a quality essential for winning major championships.
With three additional major championships remaining on the calendar, Kord's victory provides momentum as the golf season progresses. Her back-to-back major titles mark a period of sustained excellence that has elevated her to the top ranking in women's golf. The dramatic manner of her triumph on the 18th green will likely be remembered as one of the defining moments of her career, showcasing both her skill and her mental strength under pressure.