One of the biggest weeks in women’s golf is days away. The U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally runs June 4-7, 2026, at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, marking the championship’s historic first appearance at one of the most iconic venues in the sport.
From a stacked world-class field to an unmissable broadcast schedule, this guide covers everything you need to know ahead of the 81st edition of this legendary major. Keep reading for a complete breakdown.
What Is the U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally 2026?
The U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally is the oldest and most prestigious major championship in women’s golf. The event began in 1946 and is the longest-running tournament currently on the LPGA Tour. It is one of the LPGA’s five major championships.
The U.S. Women’s Open is the only event to have been recognized as a major by the LPGA since the group’s founding in 1950. That makes it uniquely positioned at the very top of women’s golf history.
The 2026 edition adds another chapter with its first-ever visit to Riviera Country Club, a venue long associated with men’s professional golf at the highest level.
Key facts for 2026:
- Tournament: U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally (81st edition)
- Dates: June 4-7, 2026
- Venue: Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California
- Organized by: USGA
- Tour: LPGA Tour
- Format: 72 holes, stroke play
- Par/Yardage: Par 71, 6,650 yards
- Total Prize Fund: $12,000,000 (2025 confirmed; 2026 to be announced)
- Winner’s Share: $2,400,000 (2025)
- Cut Rule: Low 60 scorers and ties advance after Round 2
- Defending Champion: Maja Stark (Sweden)
- Field Size: 156 players
History of the U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally
The first U.S. Women’s Open, played at Spokane Country Club in 1946, was the only one held at match play. The Women’s Professional Golfers Association conducted the inaugural championship, won by Patty Berg. The LPGA ran the Women’s Open for four years but in 1953 asked the USGA to conduct the championship, which it has done ever since.
The tournament has grown dramatically across eight decades. Past champions include legends such as Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Mickey Wright, Kathy Whitworth, Nancy Lopez, Annika Sorenstam, and Karrie Webb.
The modern era has added more iconic names, with players like Inbee Park, Yuka Saso, and Nelly Korda competing for a title that defines careers.
The youngest winners of the U.S. Women’s Open are Inbee Park (2008) and Yuka Saso (2021), each capturing the championship at 19 years, 11 months, and 17 days. Babe Didrikson Zaharias, who won the 1954 Women’s Open at age 43 years and 6 months, is the oldest winner.
Did You Know? In 1967, Catherine Lacoste became the only amateur ever to win the U.S. Women’s Open, a record that still stands to this day.
Notable milestones include:
- 1946: First U.S. Women’s Open played at Spokane Country Club, won by Patty Berg
- 1953: USGA takes over administration of the championship
- 1967: Catherine Lacoste becomes the only amateur to win the title
- 2006: Annika Sorenstam wins her final major at Newport Country Club
- 2022: Purse nearly doubles to $10 million with ProMedica as presenting sponsor
- 2024: Ally Financial announced as new presenting sponsor, purse rises to $12 million
- 2025: Maja Stark wins at Erin Hills, becoming the first European champion since Sorenstam in 2006
- 2026: Championship visits Riviera Country Club for the first time in its history
What Makes the U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally Unique?
The U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally stands apart from every other event on the women’s golf calendar for a handful of reasons that go beyond prize money and rankings.
The U.S. Women’s Open has the highest purse in women’s golf. That financial significance brings the best players in the world to the same course every June, regardless of scheduling, form, or exemption status.
Qualifying is open to any professional or amateur woman who meets the eligibility criteria, giving the field a breadth and depth no other major can match.
Here is what sets it apart:
- The only LPGA major recognised as a major since the founding of the tour in 1950
- Open qualifying gives amateurs and club professionals a pathway to the field
- The winner receives a U.S. Women’s Open exemption for the next 10 years, plus exemptions to the next five editions of each of the other four major championships
- Riviera has hosted a U.S. Open (1948) and a U.S. Amateur (2017), but the 2026 edition is the first USGA women’s championship ever conducted at the club
- The 81st U.S. Women’s Open will be the last major championship at Riviera before the 2028 Olympic golf competition
When and Where Is the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally?
The 81st U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally will be held June 4-7, 2026, at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, the championship’s first appearance at the historic venue.
Riviera sits approximately 20 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, in one of the most recognisable golf settings in the United States. The championship marks a landmark moment, bringing the world’s best women golfers to a course that has long been considered the domain of men’s professional golf.
Course Details: Riviera Country Club
The Riviera Country Club was designed by architect George C. Thomas Jr., with the assistance of William P. Bell. The club was founded in 1926 by members of the Los Angeles Athletic Club.
Thomas took on the design of the project free of charge, and the course opened in 1927. Today, it is considered one of the finest natural layouts in all of golf. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw did a restoration of greens and bunkers in 1993.
The Riviera Country Club will be set up at 6,650 yards and will play to a par of 35-36-71. The kikuyu grass rough and the distinctive putting surfaces at Riviera will challenge players in ways they have not experienced at other venues on the LPGA Tour schedule.
Course Layout and Conditions
Riviera demands creativity, patience, and precision from every player in the field. Its Golden Age design rewards those who think their way around the course rather than rely solely on power.
Key course characteristics include:
- Par 71 layout at 6,650 yards
- Kikuyu grass rough unique to Southern California courses, requiring specific shot-making adjustments
- Iconic bunker inside the 6th green, one of the most distinctive design features in golf
- Small, firm, and contoured greens that amplify errors on approach shots
- Natural terrain throughout, with elevation changes rewarding precise iron play
- Riviera becomes the 17th site to host both the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open
U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally Tournament Format
The U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally is conducted over 72 holes of stroke play. Every shot across four rounds contributes to a player’s cumulative total, and the player with the lowest score after the final round lifts the Harton S. Semple Trophy.
Tournament Format Breakdown
| Category | Details |
| Format | Stroke play |
| Total Rounds | 4 rounds (72 holes) |
| Field Size | 156 players |
| Cut Rule | Low 60 scores and ties after Round 2 |
| Winner | Lowest cumulative score after 72 holes |
| Playoff Format | Two-hole aggregate, followed by sudden death if still tied |
| Organised By | USGA |
Round Format Breakdown
Round 1 (Thursday): The championship begins at Riviera with the full 156-player field. Players from across the world tee off in search of a strong opening position.
Round 2 (Friday): The starting field of 156 golfers will be cut after 36 holes to the low 60 scorers and ties. Those outside that group do not play on the weekend.
Round 3 (Saturday): Moving day at Riviera. The leaderboard tightens as contenders emerge and the challenge of the course begins to separate the field.
Round 4 (Sunday): The champion is decided. Leaders tee off in the afternoon in reverse leaderboard order, with the Harton S. Semple Trophy waiting for the player who conquers Riviera over four days.
U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally Rules
The U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally is conducted under the official Rules of Golf as established by the USGA and R&A. USGA officials, referees, and committee members oversee all aspects of play and hold final authority on all rulings throughout the week.
General competition rules include:
- 72 holes of stroke play across four rounds
- Cut applied after Round 2 to the low 60 scores and ties
- The championship is open to any female professional golfer or female amateur with a Handicap Index not exceeding 2.4
- Equipment must conform to USGA standards
- Pace-of-play regulations apply throughout
- Electronic scoring systems used alongside official scorecard verification
For Ties and Playoffs
If two or more players are tied for first place after 72 holes, a playoff determines the champion.
The playoff format uses two aggregate holes, followed by sudden death if players remain tied. Ties for all other finishing positions remain as shared placements, with prize money distributed accordingly.
For Weather Delays
Play may be suspended due to lightning, heavy rain, or unsafe course conditions. Rounds resume once conditions improve and can carry over to the following morning if necessary.
All decisions on suspensions and scheduling rest with USGA championship officials.
U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally Schedule and Tee Times
The 2026 U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally features a full championship week beginning with practice rounds and culminating in four days of competition at Riviera Country Club. All times are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
| Day | Date | Event |
| Thursday | June 4 | Round 1 |
| Friday | June 5 | Round 2 |
| Saturday | June 6 | Round 3 |
| Sunday | June 7 | Final Round / Champion Presentation |
For the full official schedule, visit U.S. Women’s Open official website
Tee Times for the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally
Rounds 1 and 2 (Thursday and Friday): Players tee off in groups from the 1st tee. Tee times run through the morning and into the afternoon, with the full 156-player field competing across both days.
Rounds 3 and 4 (Saturday and Sunday): After the cut, the remaining 60 players and ties compete. Groups are reduced and leaders tee off in the afternoon on Sunday in reverse leaderboard order.
When Are Tee Times Announced?
- Rounds 1 and 2: Released by the USGA earlier in the week, typically on Monday or Tuesday
- Round 3: Confirmed after the Friday cut is made
- Round 4: Finalized after Saturday’s round is completed
Where to Find the Latest Tee Times
- US Women’s Open official website
- USGA official website
- LPGA official website
- USGA App (iOS and Android)
How Players Qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally 2026?
The U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally combines a broad set of exemption categories with an open qualifying pathway that gives any eligible woman a route into the championship. The USGA accepted 1,897 entries for the 81st U.S. Women’s Open, tying for third all-time.
Qualifying took place April 26 to May 13, 2026, via 36-hole stroke-play qualifiers at 26 different sites, 23 of them in the United States and one each in England, Canada, and Japan.
Qualification Criteria
Players can earn entry through several exemption categories:
- Past U.S. Women’s Open champions (exempt for 10 years following their win)
- Winners of LPGA co-sponsored events from the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open to the initiation of the 2026 championship
- Top 75 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings as of March 23, 2026
- Top 75 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings as of May 25, 2026
- Top 30 point leaders from the 2025 LPGA Race to the CME Globe
- Winners of the other four major championships over the past five years
- Amateur players with a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 2.4 who qualify through sectional qualifying
- 36-hole sectional qualifying at 26 sites across the United States and internationally
Overview of the U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally Player Field
Eleven past champions are entered, including 2025 champion Maja Stark, along with all 25 of the world’s top-ranked players led by World No. 1 Nelly Korda.
The field combines the sport’s biggest established stars with qualifiers who earned their spots through the 36-hole qualifying process.
For the full confirmed field, visit U.S. Women’s Open official website.
Established Stars and Former Champions
- Nelly Korda (World No. 1, 2026 Chevron champion)
- Jeeno Thitikul (World No. 2, former CME Group Tour Championship winner)
- Maja Stark (Defending champion, 2025 U.S. Women’s Open winner)
- Hyo Joo Kim
- Hannah Green
- Charley Hull
- Lydia Ko
- Lottie Woad
- Rose Zhang
- Michelle Wie West (using exemption status for her final U.S. Women’s Open appearance)
Contenders and Rising Names
- Past champions Brittany Lang, Sung Hyun Park, Ariya Jutanugarn, Jeongeun Lee6, A Lim Kim, Yuka Saso, Minjee Lee, and Allisen Corpuz are all exempt through their victories over the past decade
- Lexi Thompson
- Leona Maguire
- Danielle Kang
- Lauren Coughlin
- Linn Grant
Important Note: Player participation may change before the championship. Check uswomensopen.com for the most current confirmed field and any late withdrawals.
Prize Money for the U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally 2026
The U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally carries the largest prize fund in women’s golf. The 2025 purse was $12 million, the highest among women’s golf’s major championships.
Purse History and Prize Money Growth
| Year | Total Purse | Winner’s Share | Winner |
| 2022 | $10,000,000 | $1,800,000 | Minjee Lee |
| 2023 | $11,000,000 | $2,200,000 | Allisen Corpuz |
| 2024 | $12,000,000 | $2,400,000 | Yuka Saso |
| 2025 | $12,000,000 | $2,400,000 | Maja Stark |
| 2026 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
The purse grew from $5.5 million in 2021 to $12 million by 2024, driven first by the ProMedica partnership and then by Ally Financial’s sponsorship. The 2026 figure will be officially announced by the USGA during championship week.
Points, Exemptions, and Competitive Rewards
Winning the U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally delivers far more than the prize cheque:
- A U.S. Women’s Open exemption for the next 10 years
- An exemption to the next five Chevron Championships, next five AIG Women’s Opens, next five KPMG Women’s PGA Championships, and next five Amundi Evian Championships
- Custody of the Harton S. Semple Trophy for one year, the Mickey Wright Medal, and a replica trophy
- Significant boost in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings
- Global media recognition and sponsorship opportunities
Additional Long-Term Impacts
- Career-defining achievement: The U.S. Women’s Open is the title every player in women’s golf dreams of winning
- Season momentum: A win at the second major of the year sets up the remainder of the season from a position of confidence and financial security
- Legacy: Joining the champion’s list at Riviera alongside the men’s legends who have competed there for nearly 100 years
How to Watch and Attend the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally
Fans can follow the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally in person at Riviera Country Club or through official television and streaming coverage across the United States and internationally.
Broadcast Schedule and Streaming Options
Live broadcasts are on NBC and USA Network, with Golf Channel’s Live From the U.S. Women’s Open on-site with interviews, updates, and analysis throughout the week.
| Round | Day | USA Network | NBC/Peacock | Golf Channel |
| Round 1 | Thursday, June 4 | 2:00-7:00 PM ET | 7:00-10:00 PM ET (Peacock) | Noon-2 PM ET + 10-11 PM ET |
| Round 2 | Friday, June 5 | 2:00-7:00 PM ET | 7:00-10:00 PM ET (Peacock) | Noon-2 PM ET + 10-11 PM ET |
| Round 3 | Saturday, June 6 | 5:00-7:00 PM ET | 7:00-10:00 PM ET (NBC/Peacock) | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM ET + 10-11 PM ET |
| Round 4 | Sunday, June 7 | – | 3:00-8:00 PM ET (NBC/Peacock) | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM ET + 8-9:30 PM ET |
All USA Network and Golf Channel coverage is simulcast on GolfChannel.com and the Golf Channel app. For full official broadcast details, visit uswomensopen.com/viewing-schedule.
Streaming options include:
- Peacock: Featured group AM and PM coverage plus main round coverage all four days
- Golf Channel App: Simulcast of all Golf Channel coverage throughout the week
- USGA App: Live scoring, pairings, player tracking, and interactive course map
Ticket Information and On-Site Access
Fans can attend the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally at Riviera Country Club with several ticket options. Juniors aged 17 and under can request a complimentary gallery ticket at the ticket office for each round with a ticketed or credentialed adult.
| Ticket Type | Access |
| Gallery Ticket (Daily) | Single-day general admission to grounds, any round |
| Gallery 5-Pack | Any five days, Tuesday through Sunday |
| Palisades Club (Daily) | Premium all-inclusive access from Wednesday through Sunday |
| Palisades Club (Weekly) | All-inclusive access for all five days, Wednesday through Sunday |
| Trophy Club | Upscale experience with views along the 14th hole |
The Palisades Club is located within the clubhouse at Riviera Country Club, steps away from the 1st hole and championship practice greens, offering a climate-controlled space and elevated outdoor patio with premium food and beverage service.
Military members and first responders are eligible for complimentary gallery tickets plus one guest through an online verification process. Visit uswomensopen.com/tickets for current pricing and availability.
Additional On-Site Information
General Spectator Access: Gallery ticket holders can walk the full course and watch play from any public viewing area or grandstand across all 18 holes.
USGA App: Fans can use the USGA App on iOS and Android to locate their favourite players, see which group is upcoming on any hole, and find grandstands, concessions, and other amenities throughout Riviera Country Club.
Complimentary Wi-Fi: The USGA will offer complimentary Wi-Fi powered by Cisco in designated areas throughout the championship grounds, including all grandstands, concession areas, the merchandise pavilion, and other large fan gathering areas.
Ride Share and Parking: Ride share and passenger drop-off and pick-up is located at Paul Revere Charter Middle School. There will be no ride share availability at Riviera Country Club or any surrounding roads due to traffic restrictions.
Merchandise: 2026 U.S. Women’s Open merchandise is available online at usgashop.com and on-site during championship week.
Travel, Parking, and Accommodations Guide for the U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally 2026
Travel to Pacific Palisades, California
The Riviera Country Club is located 20 miles west of downtown Los Angeles in Pacific Palisades. Fans traveling to the championship have several options for reaching the venue.
Nearest airports:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Approximately 10-15 miles from Riviera, the primary hub for all domestic and international arrivals
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): Approximately 25 miles from Riviera, a smaller option for select domestic routes
Transportation options include rental cars and rideshare services. Ride share drop-off is located at Paul Revere Charter Middle School, with no vehicle access permitted at Riviera Country Club or surrounding roads during the championship.
Parking and Road Closures
Traffic restrictions will be in place throughout championship week around Riviera Country Club and Pacific Palisades. Fans are encouraged to use rideshare services or designated parking areas and shuttles. Check uswomensopen.com/fan-information-guide for the most current parking and transport details as tournament week approaches.
Accommodation Options
- Hotels in Santa Monica and Brentwood: A strong selection of options 10-20 minutes from Riviera by car
- Hotels in West Los Angeles and Century City: Widely available with easy freeway access to the venue
- Beverly Hills and Hollywood: Popular tourist areas approximately 30 minutes from the course
- Short-term rentals: Pacific Palisades and surrounding neighbourhoods offer private rental options, though availability is extremely limited during championship week
Travel Tip: Los Angeles traffic can add significant travel time during morning and evening peak hours. Plan to arrive early and factor in extra time for all journeys to and from the venue.
Key Storylines to Watch at the U.S. Women’s Open Pres. by Ally 2026
Nelly Korda Hunting Her First U.S. Women’s Open Title. Korda has already won three times in 2026, including the Chevron Championship for her third major title and 17th career LPGA win. She arrives at Riviera as the undisputed favourite, and a U.S. Women’s Open title would cement her as the defining player of her generation.
Maja Stark Defending Her Title. Stark won the 80th U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills, posting a 7-under total of 281 and a two-stroke margin of victory over Nelly Korda and Rio Takeda. Defending at a completely different and more famous venue will be a fascinating test of her mental game.
Riviera Making History for Women’s Golf. Women’s golf benefits enormously when major championships go to venues that casual sports fans recognise. Riviera does that. This is bigger than one tournament. It is a moment for the sport.
Jeeno Thitikul Chasing Her First Major. The former World No. 1 has been one of the most consistent performers in women’s golf without yet winning a major championship. The question is whether it will finally be Jeeno Thitikul’s time to break through on a major stage.
Michelle Wie West’s Final U.S. Women’s Open. Michelle Wie West is using her exemption status to take part in the U.S. Women’s Open for the final time. The former champion’s farewell at one of America’s greatest golf clubs will add genuine emotion to the week.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally at Riviera Country Club is shaping up to be one of the most significant women’s golf championships in years.
A historic venue, the largest prize fund in the sport, and a field featuring Nelly Korda at the peak of her powers against one of the deepest collections of talent in LPGA history give this week everything it needs to be unforgettable.
Watch it live on USA Network and NBC, stream through Peacock, or experience it in person at one of America’s most storied golf clubs. Either way, June 4-7 is unmissable.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally runs June 4-7 at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, the first-ever U.S. Women’s Open at the historic venue.
- This is the 81st edition of the oldest major in women’s golf, conducted by the USGA since 1953.
- Players compete over 72 holes of stroke play, with the low 60 scores and ties advancing after Friday’s cut.
- The 2025 prize fund was $12 million, the largest in women’s golf. The 2026 figure will be confirmed during championship week.
- Riviera plays as a par 71 at 6,650 yards, with kikuyu rough, contoured greens, and a Golden Age design by George C. Thomas Jr.
- Nelly Korda arrives as the dominant favourite after three 2026 wins. Jeeno Thitikul and defending champion Maja Stark are the key challengers.
- Live coverage airs on USA Network and NBC, with streaming on Peacock and analysis on Golf Channel all week.
- The winner earns a 10-year U.S. Women’s Open exemption plus five-year exemptions to all four other major championships.
- Juniors 17 and under get complimentary gallery tickets with a ticketed adult. Military and first responders qualify for free tickets too.
- This is the last major at Riviera before the 2028 Olympic golf competition, making it a genuinely historic week for the sport.
FAQs
Who is the defending champion of the U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally?
Maja Stark of Sweden won the 80th U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills, posting a 7-under-par total of 281 for a two-stroke margin of victory over Nelly Korda and Rio Takeda.
Has Riviera Country Club hosted a U.S. Women’s Open before?
No. While Riviera has previously hosted a U.S. Open in 1948 and a U.S. Amateur in 2017, the 2026 edition is the first USGA women’s championship ever conducted at the club.
What does the winner of the U.S. Women’s Open receive?
The winner receives a U.S. Women’s Open exemption for the next 10 years, exemptions to the next five Chevron Championships, next five AIG Women’s Opens, next five KPMG Women’s PGA Championships, and next five Amundi Evian Championships, along with custody of the Harton S. Semple Trophy for one year, the Mickey Wright Medal, and a replica trophy.
What channel is the U.S. Women’s Open pres. by Ally on?
Live broadcasts are on USA Network for Rounds 1 and 2 from 2-7 PM ET, and on NBC and Peacock for Rounds 3 and 4 in the evening. Golf Channel provides Live From the U.S. Women’s Open coverage and analysis daily throughout the week.
