Nelly Korda’s biggest win of 2026 came a with congratulatory message from one of sports most recognizable figures.
Lakers superstar LeBron James celebrated Korda’s dramatic U.S. Women’s Open victory Sunday after the world’s No. 1 player captured her first title at the event and her fourth career major championship.
James shared a message on Instagram after Korda survived a tense finish at Riviera Country Club, where her final-hole par putt curled into the cup to secure a one-shot victory over Charley Hull and Gaby Lopez.
The win earned Korda a record-setting $2.5 million payday and continued what is shaping up to be one of the most dominant seasons of her career.
Before the tournament, James gifted Korda a custom pair of Nike Victory Pro 4 golf shoes inspired by his signature basketball line. Korda debuted them during Thursday’s opening round but switched back to her usual footwear after six holes.
“A little too much room,” Korda later explained.
The shoe change proved to be the correct one.
After opening with a 73, Korda rallied with back-to-back 67s before closing with a 2-under 69 on Sunday. Her final-round performance included a critical birdie on the par-5 17th and a tense par save on the 72nd hole that narrowly saved her from a playoff.
James wasn’t the only sports icon following along.
Korda revealed afterward that Tiger Woods had texted her before the final round with a simple message: “Finish it off today.”
She did exactly that.
While James continues to immerse himself in golf during the NBA offseason, Korda has become one of the sport’s defining figures. The 27-year-old has now won both the Chevron Championship and U.S. Women’s Open this season.
As Korda stood beside the trophy, she reflected on a dream that began more than a decade ago.
“That 14-year-old girl that stepped on the range at Sebonack in 2013,” Korda said, “her dream has just come true.”
