Wu Chia-Yen Scores 65 in U.S. Women's Open Debut, Vows to Improve Next Year

(Central News Agency reporter Li Jianzhong, Taipei, 8th) In the final round of the 2026 U.S. Women's Open Golf Championship today, Taiwan's top player Wu Chia-Yen shot a 74, finishing with a four-day total of 292 (8-over par), tying for 54th place. She gave herself a score of 65 and said she will be stronger when she returns next year.

The U.S. Women's Open, organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA), had a total prize fund of $12 million (approximately NT$3.7 billion). The event was held at The Riviera Country Club in California. Four Taiwanese players participated: Yani Tseng, Chien Pei-Yun, Wu Chia-Yen, and amateur Lin Jie-En.

The tournament was won by current world number one, American star Nelly Korda, who claimed her fourth major title with a score of 276, winning by one stroke.

Wu Chia-Yen, the only Taiwanese player to make the cut, struggled slightly with her iron play in the final round, hitting only 44% of greens in regulation. She managed just one birdie against four bogeys.

Speaking to CNA after the tournament, Wu, a first-time participant in the U.S. Open, said, "The rough isn't that difficult to play from, but the course is very long. The greens are firm and the pin positions are very challenging. If you miss the green in the wrong spot, you pay a heavy price."

"Actually, it didn't feel that hard to play, but my physical condition wasn't good. However, making the cut is a pass, so I give myself 65 points," she said with a smile.

Wu revealed that she only arrived in the U.S. on Monday (the 1st) local time and went straight to practice. She spent the entire week battling jet lag while competing. Unaccustomed to the hotel accommodations, fatigue accumulated, preventing her driver from performing at its best. "If I have the chance next year, I need to arrive in the U.S. earlier to prepare," she said.

Reflecting on her first major championship experience, Wu noted that the atmosphere was also very different. "American fans are more outgoing and cheerful. Whether they know you or not, they cheer loudly for you along the course. The Japan Tour is relatively more reserved."

After the U.S. Open, Wu will fly back to Japan tonight to compete in this week's "Miyazato Ai Suntory Ladies Open," another grueling schedule with no time to adjust to the time zone.

Wu emphasized that the top two finishers in the Miyazato Ai Suntory Ladies Open can qualify for this year's Women's British Open. "I really want to give it a shot and experience more world-class tournaments. Of course, if my body really can't handle it, I will rest early," she said. (Editor: Wu Su-Rou) 1150608