Kim shoots 3-under to jump from tied third; says she will 'stay patient and focused'
Kim Sei-young will face world No. 1 Nelly Korda of the United States in a final-round showdown for the US Women's Open title, the two players sharing the lead heading into Monday's decisive round of the $12.5 million major.
Kim carded five birdies and two bogeys Sunday at Riviera Country Club (par 71) in Pacific Palisades, California, posting a 3-under round and moving to 6-under 207 for the tournament, level with Korda atop the leaderboard.
The 13-time LPGA Tour winner has a major title to her name — the 2020 Women's PGA Championship — but has never won the US Women's Open. Her most recent victory came at the BMW Ladies Championship in October 2025.
Kim kept her ball in play with a steady off-the-tee performance, missing only two fairways all day. However, her putter failed to convert what she felt were ample birdie opportunities.
"It's been a long time since I won a major, so I think I'll be nervous on Monday," Kim said. "I'll stay patient and focused and do what I can."
Fellow South Korean Jeon In-ji also made her move Sunday, eagling the par-5 first hole on her way to a 2-under round that lifted her to 5-under 208 and a share of third place — putting her in contention for a second US Women's Open title 11 years after her 2015 victory.
Three of Jeon's four LPGA Tour wins have come in majors, underscoring her strong record in the biggest events. The only Korean player to win the US Women's Open more than once is Park In-bee, who claimed the title in 2008 and 2013.
Both Kim and Jeon will face a formidable opponent in Korda, who has already won three times this season and is playing some of the best golf of her career.
Korda struggled on the front nine, gaining just one stroke, before closing with three consecutive birdies on holes 16, 17 and 18 to salvage a strong finish. Her best result at this event remains a runner-up finish at last year's US Women's Open.
Yoo Hyun-jo, last year's KLPGA Tour Player of the Year, matched three birdies with three bogeys to hold at 3-under 210, sitting in a share of eighth place, three strokes off the lead.
With only four strokes separating the co-leaders from the players tied for 11th at 2-under 211, a wide-open final round is in store.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
