The 2026 U.S. Women’s Open is in full swing at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, with the third round set to begin Saturday. After a rocky start. World No. 1 Nelly Korda turned her fortunes around with a four-under 67 on Friday, moving to two under par and into the thick of the championship race. Korda, who was seven shots behind after the first round, now faces a two-shot deficit to the leaders, Alison Lee and Ruoning Yin, who both shot 68 to share the top of the leaderboard.

Television and Streaming Coverage

Third-round coverage will begin on Saturday with USA Network airing from 5,7 p.m. ET, followed by NBC from 7,10 p.m. ET. Peacock will stream a live simulcast of NBC’s coverage during the evening hours. Golf Channel will also provide pre- and post-round programming from 11:30 a.m.,12:30 p.m. and 10–11 p.m. ET.

Notable Performances and Pairings

Alison Lee, an American golfer, and China’s Ruoning Yin are co-leaders after 36 holes, each at four under par. World No. 1 Nelly Korda, a three-time major champion, is just two shots behind after a strong round of 67. Korda credited practice sessions for helping her regain her form, especially after a difficult first round.

Other notable performers include Jennifer Kupcho, who is at three under par, and young phenom Asterisk Talley, who reached one under par by making five birdies. Lottie Woad, a two-time LPGA winner, was penalized two strokes for improving her stance in a bunker during her round, according to Golfweek.

Round 3 tee times begin at 11:55 a.m. ET with Yue Zhang and Chia Yen Wu teeing off. Other notable pairings include Sakura Koiwai and Asterisk Talley, Charley Hull and Rose Zhang, and Amy Yang and Lucy Li.

Significance of the Tournament

This is the first time the U.S. Women’s Open has been held at Riviera Country Club, a historic venue known in men’s golf for hosting the Genesis Invitational. The course is a 6,699-yard, par-71 layout that demands precision off the tee, strong approach shots, and patience on the challenging greens.

With a $12 million purse, the tournament offers one of the highest prize pools in women’s golf. The winner will also gain valuable points for the LPGA season rankings. Germany’s Esther Henseleit is among the international players making a name for herself on the course. A Hamburg native, Henseleit won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is now competing against the world’s top players at the U.S. Women’s Open.

The third round promises to be a critical turning point in the championship, with the top players vying for a chance to win the 81st edition of the U.S. Women’s Open.