In the final round of the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills, Nelly Korda stood on the back nine with a genuine shot at her first victory in this major championship. The tension was palpable as she navigated the closing holes, only to come up just short, finishing in a tie for second. Rather than a moment of defeat, that near miss became a defining pivot in her career — fueling a hunger and motivation that now shapes her approach heading into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club.
Nelly Korda’s U.S. Open Journey: A Story of Resilience
Korda’s history at the U.S. Women’s Open reveals a pattern of challenges and breakthroughs. Between 2020 and 2024, she missed three cuts and recorded only one top-10 finish prior to last year’s close call. Her comments reflect this evolution: "It made me hungrier to be in those positions," she said. "There's no better place to be in than in the hunt on a back nine on Sunday at a major championship, especially at the Women's Open. It would have been a lifelong dream [to win], but there's more chances."
This narrative of near misses and learning curves contrasts sharply with Korda’s dominant 2024 season. With seven starts already this year, she has secured three wins and three runner-up finishes, including a commanding victory at the Chevron Championship. Despite her preference to downplay being the face of women’s golf, the LPGA reality places her at the forefront — not only as the world No. 1 but also as the most frequent winner this season.
Riviera’s Challenge and Advantage for Korda
The U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera presents a fresh stage for Korda’s quest. Traditionally a PGA Tour hotspot in February, Riviera’s layout will test the women’s field in new ways this June. The course is firmer and faster than usual, with wind from the nearby ocean adding an unpredictable element. Players must master spin control, trajectory, and precise angles into the greens, which are guarded by tight fairways and sticky kikuyu grass.
Korda’s style and length off the tee may find Riviera well-suited to her strengths, but the course demands strategic shot-making and adaptability. As she pointed out, "Every day is going to be a different game plan." This nuanced challenge means that even with her superior form, claiming the title won’t be straightforward.
Jeeno Thitikul’s Major Quest: Consistency Meets Unfinished Business
Another compelling subplot is Jeeno Thitikul, whose consistent excellence contrasts with her elusive major breakthrough. Since joining the tour in 2022, she has amassed 59 top-10 finishes and nine wins, including starting 2024 as world No. 1. Yet, at majors, her record is mixed: nine top-10s in 23 attempts but also five missed cuts and struggles specifically at the U.S. Open, where she has two misses and a best finish of sixth.
Thitikul has pinpointed the short game as a major hurdle, stating, "I think up-and-down are the biggest challenges for me [at majors] because I know I hit lots of greens when I was young and I'm not really chipping." Riviera’s demanding greens and rough will likely amplify that difficulty. At just 23, however, her potential to contend remains high, adding a layer of intrigue to the tournament.
LPGA Parity Shifts and What It Means for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open
Last season, the LPGA was marked by remarkable parity, with 29 different winners and no repeat champions in the first 24 tournaments. This year, the narrative has shifted — with Korda emerging as a dominant force. Her consistency and accumulation of victories contrast with the previous randomness, signaling a potential new chapter in women’s golf.
Riviera's setup, with its emphasis on second-shot precision over sheer power, may further highlight this shift. The course demands a blend of strategic thinking and technical skill, rewarding players like Korda who combine length with tactical acumen. This environment could reinforce the growing gap between dominant players and the rest of the field.
What to Watch Next
As the U.S. Women’s Open unfolds at Riviera, the spotlight will remain on how Korda translates her regular-season dominance into major championship success, particularly on a course that both challenges and suits her game. Meanwhile, watching Thitikul’s attempt to overcome her short game struggles under major pressure adds another dimension to the narrative. The outcome here could signal whether Korda is truly entering a new era of women’s golf or if the unpredictable nature of majors will hold sway once again.
Fans and analysts alike should pay close attention to how players adapt to Riviera’s firm conditions and tricky wind patterns. The strategic demands and course nuances will test every facet of their games, making this week’s tournament a critical barometer for the 2024 LPGA season and beyond.
All The Golf reported these insights into the players and the course, highlighting the unfolding storylines that make this U.S. Women’s Open a compelling watch.
What this means: Nelly Korda’s history at the U.S. Women’s Open reveals a pattern of setbacks followed by breakthroughs, which motivates her current push at Riviera. Understanding Riviera’s unique demands helps explain why this major could be a defining moment. The LPGA’s shifting parity underscores the broader stakes, with Korda’s ascendancy challenging the unpredictability that has long defined women’s majors. For a broader view, explore our coverage of LPGA Tour news and results.
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