The 2026 US Women’s Open takes place from June 4-7 as the major heads to The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, for the 81st edition of the championship.
Riviera hosts a USGA women’s event for the first time, with the iconic layout set up at 6,699 yards and playing as a par‑71, promising a demanding, major‑calibre test from June 4‑7.
The latest outright market is headed by Nelly Korda, Jeeno Thitikul, Hyo Joo Kim, Ruoning Yin, Hannah Green, Miyu Yamashita, Lydia Ko and Hye Jin Choi, who form a stacked front eight in the betting.
With 156 players, a cut to the low 60 and ties after 36 holes, and Riviera’s firm, strategic greens complexes in play, this US Women’s Open should reward elite tee‑to‑green control and supreme patience over four days.
Current 2026 US Women’s Open Betting Odds
| Player | Win Odds |
|---|---|
| Nelly Korda | 5.25 (21/4) |
| Jeeno Thitikul | 9.00 (9/1) |
| Hyo Joo Kim | 13.00 (13/1) |
| Ruoning Yin | 13.00 (13/1) |
| Hannah Green | 15.00 (15/1) |
| Miyu Yamashita | 17.00 (17/1) |
| Lydia Ko | 21.00 (21/1) |
| Hye Jin Choi | 23.00 (23/1) |
Leading 2026 US Women’s Open Contenders
Nelly Korda
Nelly Korda arrives at Riviera as the clear favourite with the world No.1, looking to add a second US Women’s Open title to her growing major collection.
Her combination of length off the tee, towering iron shots and vastly improved putting makes her an obvious fit for a course that demands premium ball‑striking and smart angle control into firm greens.
Korda’s recent run of victories and top finishes has cemented her status as the dominant force in the women’s game, and the market reflects that.
If she drives it solidly and handles Riviera’s slippery putting surfaces, she will fully justify her position as the player everyone else has to chase this week.
Jeeno Thitikul
Jeeno Thitikul sits next in the betting and continues to track Nelly Korda closely at the top of the women’s rankings after a string of high‑class performances.
Still seeking a first major title, the Thai star has already proven she can win repeatedly in elite company and Riviera’s emphasis on precision rather than brute force should suit her balanced game.
Thitikul’s strength lies in her ability to control trajectory with her irons and maintain composure under pressure, both crucial traits on a championship layout like this.
She looks the most logical alternative to Korda for punters expecting another big week on the biggest stage.
Hyo Joo Kim
Hyo Joo Kim shares the third line of the market and brings one of the most complete tee‑to‑green profiles in the women’s game into the season’s second major.
Her accuracy with the long clubs and ability to keep big numbers off the card make her a natural fit for a venue where par will often be a good score.
Kim has a history of contending in majors and thrives on strategic tests that reward patience and precise iron play, and she offers a blend of proven class and a game perfectly suited to Riviera’s demands.
Ruoning Yin
Ruoning Yin is priced alongside Hyo Joo Kim and continues to strengthen her reputation as one of the deepest ball‑strikers in the field.
A major winner already, Yin brings both confidence and a methodical approach that should travel well to a demanding layout like Riviera.
Her ability to flight the ball in the wind and consistently hit greens in regulation could prove decisive, especially if conditions firm up over the weekend.
If she finds a cooperative putter, she has every chance of adding another major to her resume.
Hannah Green
Hannah Green has a reputation for rising to big occasions, including past major‑championship success.
Her tidy all‑round game, strong approach play and reliable putting make her a very solid fit for Riviera’s classic, exacting test.
Green tends to thrive when par carries real value and mental resilience is at a premium, which should be the case this week.
She looks a particularly attractive option for those expecting Riviera to favour composed, complete games over pure firepower.
Miyu Yamashita
Miyu Yamashita continues to climb the women’s game hierarchy and is now firmly in the front tier of contenders at a major like the US Women’s Open.
Her strengths in accuracy and disciplined course management should stand up well on a layout that punishes loose shots and rewards strategic thinking.
Yamashita’s growing experience in big events and ability to handle firm, fast conditions make her a compelling each‑way play.
If she generates enough birdie looks and avoids the big mistakes that Riviera can quickly enforce, she has the tools to be a major factor this week.
Lydia Ko
Lydia Ko heads into the US Women’s Open with the chance to move closer to completing the career grand slam, and the market still gives her plenty of respect.
Her experience, creativity and short‑game genius mean she can never be discounted on a major venue that demands imagination around the greens.
Ko has the kind of tournament nous that can make a huge difference when conditions are toughest and scoring is at a premium.
If she finds something close to her best with the putter, Riviera could be the stage for another chapter in her already remarkable career.
Hye Jin Choi
Hye Jin Choi rounds out the leading group of favourites and remains one of the most consistently impressive performers tee‑to‑green on the LPGA Tour.
Her accuracy, composure and ability to grind out pars should be especially valuable in a US Women’s Open set‑up where bogeys lurk on every hole.
Choi has been knocking on the door in big events and looks ready to translate that consistency into a genuine major challenge.
She offers strong each‑way appeal for backers expecting Riviera to reward patience and precision above all else.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.
