Ryu overcomes early struggles to win by two strokes at Hazeltine National Golf Club
Category: Sports
Haeran Ryu emerged victorious at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on June 28, 2026, securing her first major title with a final score of 13 under par at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Ryu shot a 2-under 70 on a challenging day that featured inclement weather, overcoming a rocky start to finish two strokes ahead of fellow South Korean Ina Yoon.
This victory marks a turning point in women’s golf, as Ryu, 25, broke Nelly Korda’s recent dominance in major championships. Korda, who had already won the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this year, was aiming to become the first woman in 13 years to win the first three majors of the season. Instead, she struggled in the final round, finishing tied for eighth after a 73.
Ryu’s triumph is particularly notable as she became the first golfer, male or female, in over 60 years to rally from a deficit of ten or more shots after the first round to win a major championship. Starting the tournament with a 73, Ryu found herself tied for 70th place after the opening round, but she rebounded impressively, shooting a tournament record-tying 63 in the second round.
Ryu’s win adds her name to a distinguished list of South Korean champions in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, making her the sixth South Korean to claim the title in the last 12 editions. This victory is also a highlight of Ryu’s burgeoning career; she was named the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2023, and her performance at Hazeltine solidifies her status among the elite in women’s golf.
The final round was marked by a 3.5-hour weather delay due to thunderstorms that dropped over an inch of rain on the course. This delay pushed tee times back significantly, and players faced tricky conditions with soft greens and gusty winds. Ryu opened the day with a bogey on the first hole after the delay, losing her one-shot lead. Yet, she managed to regroup, making birdies on Nos. 7 and 9 to turn at even par.
Throughout the round, Ryu displayed remarkable composure. After stumbling early, she found her rhythm, making two more birdies on the 10th and 12th holes. By the time she reached the final three holes, Ryu held a comfortable three-shot lead, playing conservatively to secure her win.
With this victory, Ryu claims her first major title and strengthens her position in the world rankings as she is currently ranked 12th. Ina Yoon, who finished in second place, also showcased her talent, marking a strong performance with a 70 on the final day, just two shots behind Ryu.
Meanwhile, Nelly Korda’s disappointing finish means she will not achieve the historic milestone of winning the first three majors of the season. Korda’s hopes were dashed when she double-bogeyed the 16th hole for the second time in the tournament, a rare setback for the world No. 1. Her final score of 6 under par leaves her tied for eighth place alongside three others, including Allisen Corpuz, Auston Kim, and Alison Lee.
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship highlighted Ryu’s remarkable comeback and raised questions about Korda’s future performances as she seeks to reclaim her spot at the top of women’s golf. The event, which was impacted by scheduling conflicts with the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship, drew attention to the challenges faced by women’s golf in gaining broader media coverage.
As the season progresses, attention will turn to Ryu and Korda, with fans eager to see how they will perform in upcoming tournaments. Ryu’s victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the emergence of new talent in competitive fields.
Ryu’s win at Hazeltine adds a prestigious title to her resume and sets the stage for what could be a thrilling rivalry in women’s golf. The next major event on the calendar will be closely watched as players strive for excellence in the pursuit of championship glory.
As Ryu celebrated her victory, she expressed her gratitude for the support from her friends and fans, saying, “Winning this championship means everything to me.” With her eyes set on future competitions, Ryu looks forward to building on her success and continuing to make her mark in the world of golf.