[KPMG Women's PGA Championship Review] Haeran Ryu Wins at Hazeltine

Who won the 2026 KPMG Women's PGA Championship?

South Korean golfer Haeran Ryu won the 2026 KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club. By holding off a loaded leaderboard with exceptional iron play and clutch putting, Ryu captured her first career LPGA major title with a narrow one-shot victory.

A New Major Champion Emerges: Haeran Ryu's Breakthrough

After four days of intense, high-stakes competition at the legendary Hazeltine National Golf Club, Haeran Ryu showcased unparalleled composure to capture the 2026 KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Holding a slim one-shot lead after 54 holes, Ryu faced mounting pressure from a stacked leaderboard during the final round.

Relying on her surgical iron play and clutch putting on the challenging greens, she successfully kept the chasers at bay. This major title makes a definitive statement to the LPGA Tour that she possesses the elite skillset required to dominate on golf's grandest stages.

Unforgettable Golf Highlights: The Chasing Pack (ICYMI)

The true drama of this year's major championship extended far beyond the final pairing. For fans who missed the weekend action, these captivating storylines defined the tournament at Hazeltine:

1. Ina Yoon’s Historic Opening Round

The tournament kicked off with fireworks as Ina Yoon fired a blistering, record-tying 63 in the opening round, instantly setting a remarkably high bar and establishing a thrilling pace for the week.

2. Nelly Korda’s LPGA Hall of Fame Pursuit

With the LPGA Hall of Fame squarely in her sights, Nelly Korda opened with a solid 70. She remained a constant threat throughout the week, lurking just four shots off the lead after three rounds and applying relentless pressure on the leaders.

3. Brooke Henderson’s Nostalgic Week

Henderson brought immense emotional momentum into the week after becoming an aunt to baby "Sahalee"—a beautiful nod to the site of her dramatic playoff victory at this very championship 10 years ago. Fueled by this milestone, she posted a first-round 69 and remained fiercely in the mix.

4. Gritty Resilience and PGA Pride

Battling through visible physical pain, Alison Lee showcased immense toughness, keeping her name firmly near the top of the leaderboard through 54 holes. The week was also peppered with spectacular moments, including a Friday hole-in-one from Shannon Tan. Additionally, Class A Professional Nicole Felce became a fan favorite by impressively bouncing back to make the cut, highlighting the high caliber of PGA club professionals. For a complete score breakdown, you can review the [official LPGA Tour leaderboard].

Rolex Annika Major Award Standings Shaken Up

With the conclusion of the 2026 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, the standings for the highly coveted Rolex Annika Major Award have seen a significant shake-up. Thanks to her massive points haul from this major title, Haeran Ryu has vaulted up the leaderboard, officially cementing herself as a serious contender.

As the LPGA season progresses, the points gap among the top contenders continues to narrow, ensuring a dramatic finish to the year. Don't miss our complete [Travelers Championship Recap] to catch up on all the latest PGA highlights!