All Eyes on Erin Hills: Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko Headline 2025 U.S. Women’s Open Showdown

The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open has officially begun at Erin Hills Golf Club in Wisconsin, marking the 80th edition of the prestigious championship — and for the first time, it’s being hosted at one of the most visually breathtaking and challenging courses in the Midwest. With a record-setting purse and several career-defining narratives at play, this year’s tournament promises to be one of the most compelling in women’s golf history.

Can Nelly Korda Capture Her First U.S. Open Title?

Despite being the world’s No. 1 player, Nelly Korda enters Erin Hills still searching for her first win of the season. It’s a surprising stat for the golfer who dominated last year with multiple titles. Yet, her consistency hasn’t faltered — she’s finished inside the top 25 in all but one tournament in 2025 and ranks among the top 10 in nearly every strokes-gained category.

Now, with the haunting memory of a disastrous 10-over round at last year’s U.S. Open behind her, Korda tees off Thursday at 2:25 p.m. ET alongside Charley Hull and Lexi Thompson, looking to finally lift the U.S. Women’s Open trophy.

“It’s the biggest test in the game of golf,” Korda reflected. “It really pushes not just your game, but your mindset.”

Lydia Ko Eyes Career Grand Slam

Another storyline taking center stage is Lydia Ko’s pursuit of golf immortality. Already a three-time major champion, Ko can become just the eighth player in LPGA history to complete the career Grand Slam with a win this week. Despite missing the cut in last year’s Open, Ko arrives focused and humble about the opportunity.

“It’s good to have a goal that keeps me pushing forward,” Ko said. “Even if I never win the U.S. Open, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. But I’ll give it everything.”

Ko tees off Thursday morning at 8:40 a.m. ET alongside defending champion Yuka Saso and amateur Rianne Malixi.

Yuka Saso Aims for a Historic Third Title

Speaking of Saso, the 23-year-old will attempt to join legends like Babe Zaharias and Annika Sorenstam as a three-time U.S. Women’s Open champion. She’s already made history by winning the championship while representing two different countries — the Philippines in 2021 and Japan in 2024. Her mental fortitude and elite ball-striking make her a strong favorite once again.

Erin Hills: A True Golfer’s Gauntlet

Stretching 6,829 yards, Erin Hills is the second-longest course on the LPGA Tour this season — but it’s not the yardage alone that makes it daunting. With 132 sand bunkers, thick fescue rough, and glacially carved elevation shifts, the Wisconsin layout demands precision from tee to green.

The weather could add more chaos — Friday forecasts call for thunderstorms and gusts up to 20 mph, which could turn Erin Hills into a wind-swept chessboard.

As the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open gets underway, fans will be treated to a high-stakes mix of redemption arcs, historic chases, and a venue that promises to challenge every part of a player’s game.