The U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera

The 81st edition of the U.S. Women’s Open arrives at the historic Riviera Country Club, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to the championship. As the event makes its debut at this iconic Los Angeles venue, all eyes are on Nelly Korda. Given her current form, many are asking if this represents her greatest opportunity to secure a U.S. Women’s Open title.


Josh Berhow points out that while Korda faced immense pressure in 2024 after a dominant streak, her current season reflects even greater consistency. "Her 2024 disappointment can be viewed as a learning experience," Berhow notes, adding that the layout at Riviera appears well-suited to her game.


Zephyr Melton emphasizes the mental hurdle: "It is surprising she hasn't won this event yet. Her ball-striking and length are perfect for USGA setups, but the mental battle will be just as significant as the physical test on the course."


Alan Bastable highlights a staggering statistical improvement: "Her strokes gained metric has jumped from 2.86 in 2024 to 4.03 this year. She is also hitting the ball 10 yards further off the tee. If her putting clicks, the competition might be left in the dust."


Rising Stars and Contenders

Beyond Korda, the field is packed with intriguing storylines. Experts are keeping a close watch on several amateurs and professionals:

  • Jeeno Thitikul: Analysts are eager to see if she can shed the "best player without a major" tag.
  • Julia Lopez Ramirez: As the LPGA's longest hitter, she is considered a player to watch for fans on-site, though her short game remains a work in progress.
  • Amateur Talent: The field includes standouts like Kiara Romero, Maria Jose Marin, and Paula Martin Sampedro, all of whom are potential future stars.

PGA Tour Scheduling Challenges

Discussion also turned to the PGA Tour’s long-term schedule and the infrequent matchups between top stars like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. The consensus among the experts is that the current scheduling landscape is overly complex.

"The Tour needs stability," says Berhow. "Constant tweaks to Signature Events and playoff formats make it difficult for fans to keep up. While having the best players compete together more often is the goal, the path toward a two-track system requires a delicate balance to avoid oversaturation."


The Next Big Thing: Jackson Koivun

Following Stanford’s NCAA title victory, attention has shifted to the men's championship at Omni La Costa. Auburn’s Jackson Koivun has become a focal point of discussion due to his extraordinary college performance.

Bastable is particularly bullish on the prospect: «In seven PGA Tour starts, he secured four top-11 finishes, and his scoring average this season has been incredible. The kid is clearly destined for big things.» While some remain in a "wait-and-see" mode regarding the transition from collegiate to professional dominance, Koivun’s recent success makes him one of the most exciting prospects in years.