The South Korean golfer ties for third place with a score of 3-under par, chasing her first title in 11 years
Category: Sports
Jeon In-ji is making a strong bid for the US Women’s Open title, aiming to reclaim the championship she won in 2015. On June 6, 2026, at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, Jeon shot a second-round score of 3-under par 68, bringing her two-day total to 3-under par 139, placing her in a tie for third, just one stroke behind the leaders.
This year’s US Women’s Open, boasting a total prize purse of $12.5 million, marks Jeon’s return to a tournament that significantly impacted her career. In her first appearance in 2015, she overcame a four-stroke deficit to win the championship, an achievement that catapulted her into the spotlight and changed her life forever.
“I never imagined I would be playing on the LPGA Tour after winning the US Women’s Open in 2015,” Jeon said in an interview. “But everything changed after that victory. I now have new friends here in the U.S., and even though my family and friends are in Korea, I find motivation to continue playing thanks to the confidence I’ve gained from refining my swing.”
Jeon’s impressive performance at this year’s event is her first major tournament since she returned from a two-year struggle with injuries and a reduced tournament schedule. In 2024, she participated in only 11 tournaments, and leading up to the 2026 US Women’s Open, she had played in just seven events. Her limited appearances were a stark difference from her earlier years on the tour, where she had more consistent participation.
In 2016, Jeon made her official debut on the LPGA Tour, winning her second major title at the Evian Championship. That same year, she also received the Rookie of the Year award and the Bear Trophy for the lowest scoring average. Since then, she has secured only two additional victories on the LPGA Tour: the 2018 LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship and the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, bringing her total to four career wins.
Jeon’s relationship with the US Women’s Open is deep-rooted, as it was the tournament that transformed her professional life. Her unexpected triumph in 2015, where she overcame a four-stroke deficit in the final round, earned her the championship and secured her a direct ticket to compete on the LPGA Tour.
Over the past decade, Jeon has faced various challenges, including physical and mental health issues that led her to reduce her competitive schedule. After a hiatus, she spent the winter in Vietnam working with her swing coach, Kim Song-hee, to revamp her technique and regain her confidence. This dedication appears to be paying off, as evidenced by her solid performance in the first two rounds of the US Women’s Open.
As she heads into the weekend, Jeon remains focused on enjoying the experience and sticking to her game plan. “I think it’s important to keep playing the way I did today,” she stated after her second round. “I plan to stick to my game plan and not change anything. I’m trying to enjoy this week and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on myself. That will be key to how I perform this weekend.”
Looking ahead, Jeon has a chance to reclaim the US Women’s Open title and to secure her fifth LPGA Tour victory. With the tournament’s final rounds approaching, she will face stiff competition from other top players, including fellow competitors Kim Se-young and Yu Hyun-jo, who are also tied for third place.
As the leaderboard tightens, Jeon’s experience on major stages will be invaluable. She understands the importance of patience and strategy in high-pressure situations. Her previous successes in major tournaments have equipped her with the skills to handle the intensity of the final rounds.
World number one Nelly Korda is also in the mix, having shot a 4-under par 67 to bring her total to 2-under par 140, placing her in a tie for ninth. As the tournament progresses, attention will turn to Jeon as she attempts to navigate the challenges of the final rounds and secure a historic victory.
“We are on a good path right now,” Jeon concluded, expressing optimism about her chances. “I’m ahead to the weekend and will continue to play the way I have been.” With the final rounds set to take place over the weekend, Jeon’s performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see if she can capture the title once again.