Nelly Korda headlines a loaded U.S. Women’s Open field at Riviera, where history, a $12 million purse and major pressure collide.
The U.S. Women’s Open is bringing a heavyweight field to Riviera Country Club, and this one has a little extra bite.
The 81st U.S. Women’s Open presented by Ally marks the championship’s first trip to Riviera, one of golf’s most iconic stages.
READ MORE: PGA Tour Eyes Major 2028 Competitive Shakeup
It’s also just the second time the event has been played in Southern California, joining the 1964 championship at San Diego Country Club, where Mickey Wright won the title.
Now, the spotlight shifts to a 156-player field loaded with star power, history and pressure.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda enters as the obvious headliner after already winning three times in 2026, including The Chevron Championship.
She’ll try to add another major to a season that’s already starting to feel like a takeover.
But Korda won’t exactly be strolling into an empty arena. All of the top 10 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings are in the field, and 47 of the top 50 are set to tee it up.
The only top-50 players missing are Haeran Ryu, Hye Jin Choi and Shinsil Bang.
There’s also a serious champions’ club in the field.
Eleven past U.S. Women’s Open winners are back, including defending champion Maja Stark, two-time winner Yuka Saso, 2023 champion Allisen Corpuz, Minjee Lee, A Lim Kim, Jeongeun Lee6, Ariya Jutanugarn, Sung Hyun Park, Brittany Lang, In Gee Chun and 2014 champion Michelle Wie West.
The 2026 LPGA winner list is fully represented, too. Celine Boutier, Lauren Coughlin, Hannah Green, Hyo Joo Kim, Mi Hyang Lee, Jeeno Thitikul and Lottie Woad all bring winning form into the week.
Riviera will also get a look at the next wave. The field includes 27 amateurs, six LPGA rookies and 41 players making their U.S. Women’s Open debut.
READ MORE: Scheffler & Thomas Lead PGA Tour Surge Watch
With a $12 million purse, a major championship trophy and a historic venue in play, Riviera isn’t just hosting another tournament.
It’s hosting a fight for control of the women’s golf season.
Join Our Roundtable Community For Free!
Share your takes, connect with our Roundtable writers, and talk sports with fellow fans. Download the free Roundtable App today and stay closer to the conversation.
