### Nelly Korda's Disappointing US Open Journey Amidst Fierce Competition The 2025 U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills showcased a thrilling contest among elite golfers, with World No. 1 Nelly Korda aiming for her first title in this prestigious event. Despite her strong performance in the early rounds, Korda ultimately faced disappointment as she fell short of her goal. The tournament featured standout performances, particularly from Mao Saigo, who took the lead with an impressive second-round score. ### Breakdown of the US Women's Open Events 1. **Tournament Overview** - The U.S. Women's Open is one of the most significant events in women's golf, attracting top players from around the world. This year's tournament was held at Erin Hills, known for its challenging course layout [https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-nelly-korda-gets-honest-us-open-run-disappointing-major-week]. 2. **Key Performers** - Mao Saigo emerged as a frontrunner, shooting a remarkable 6-under 66 in the second round, leading the tournament with a total score of 8-under 136 [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/31/us-womens-open-second-round-mao-saigo-nelly-korda]. - Nelly Korda, despite her status as the top-ranked player, struggled to maintain her momentum, finishing the tournament with a disappointing performance after initially climbing into contention [https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12040/13377231/us-womens-open-top-ranked-nelly-korda-climbs-into-contention-in-pursuit-of-maiden-title-at-erin-hills]. 3. **Round-by-Round Analysis** - **First Round**: Six players, including Korda, were tied for the lead at 4-under 68, showcasing a competitive start to the tournament [https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/45382817/6-way-tie-1st-round-lead-us-women-open-erin-hills]. - **Second Round**: Saigo's stellar performance allowed her to pull ahead, while Korda's score of 67 kept her in the mix but not in the lead [https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/golf/mao-saigo-fires-66-lead-us-womens-open-rcna103456]. 4. **Korda's Reflections** - Following the tournament, Korda expressed her disappointment, acknowledging the pressure of competing at such a high level and her ongoing quest for a U.S. Women's Open title [https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-nelly-korda-gets-honest-us-open-run-disappointing-major-week]. ### Summary of Findings - **Major Takeaways** - **Mao Saigo's Dominance**: Saigo's performance was a highlight, marking her as a formidable competitor in women's golf, especially after already winning a major earlier this year [https://www.espn.co.uk/golf/story/_/id/45399003/mao-saigo-takes-us-women-open-lead-nelly-korda-3-back]. - **Korda's Challenge**: Despite her ranking, Korda's inability to secure the title reflects the unpredictable nature of golf and the intense competition present at major tournaments [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/golf/article-mao-saigo-fires-a-66-to-lead-u-s-womens-open-after-2nd-rounds-morning]. 1. **Korda's Journey**: The tournament was a mix of highs and lows for Korda, who aimed for her first U.S. Women's Open title but faced challenges throughout. 2. **Saigo's Rise**: Saigo's lead and performance indicate her growing status in the sport, making her a player to watch in future tournaments. 3. **Competitive Landscape**: The U.S. Women's Open continues to be a battleground for the best in women's golf, with emerging talents challenging established stars. In conclusion, the 2025 U.S. Women's Open highlighted the fierce competition in women's golf, with Mao Saigo taking center stage while Nelly Korda's quest for a major title remains ongoing. The tournament's outcomes underscore the unpredictable nature of sports and the relentless pursuit of excellence by top athletes.