2026 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship: Yuna Nishimura cruises to first LPGA victory

Rogers, Arkansas — Yuna Nishimura secured her first LPGA victory at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship on Sunday, triumphing by five shots with a final round score of 5-under 66. The 26-year-old, who boasts six victories on the Japan LPGA circuit, posted a three-day total of 21-under 192. Nishimura expressed her disbelief and delight at her victory, stating she remains in shock.

Early in the tournament, Nishimura trailed by five shots after giving chasing competitors a reasonable lead. However, she turned things around with a fantastic back nine. Leading by three shots into the final nine, Nishimura putted her way to a five-under 30, which included an eagle on the par-5 14th hole, securing her lead.

Her Japanese counterpart, Aki Iwai, made a spirited effort, shooting a bogey-free 62, tying for second with Chanettee Wannasaen and In Gee Chun. "This week greens are so soft," Iwai reflected. "Especially today. So I was like – I need more aggressive. Like, yeah, I need hit three, four yards past the pin usually."

Lauren Coughlin, who set an LPGA record with nine consecutive birdies in a round, secured a 66 and finished tied for 12th place, eight strokes behind. Lottie Woad, the seventh-ranked player in the world, withdrew due to illness, leaving her six shots off the lead after two rounds. Two golfers made holes-in-one during the final day - Yealimi Noh with 9-iron from 136 yards, and Mao Saigo with a 7-iron from 159 yards.