The Runner-Up Who Won the U.S. Women’s Open: Gaby Lopez’s Unconventional Triumph

You win a major. Time stops. Family floods the 18th green. Hugs, photos, the whole damn circus. Pure bliss, right? But what about the guys who didn’t win? For them, time can feel like it’s on fast-forward. Especially when the dust settles and you’re sitting in a media room, barely five minutes after the whole thing’s over, trying to explain why you came in second.

That’s exactly what happened at the U.S. Women’s Open. Nelly Korda drains the putt. Game over. And bam, there’s Gaby Lopez, on the podium, talking to, like, two reporters. Her co-runner-up, Charley Hull, is in the back, glued to her phone, probably wondering if she even has to stick around for a medal. Hull looked pissed. Lopez? She looked… ecstatic. Like she’d just won the damn thing.

“I feel amazing,” Lopez said. “I’m not disappointed at all.”

And you could tell. She’d never been this close to a major title. Hull, on the other hand, has now collected five runner-up finishes in majors. She even posted on Instagram calling herself a “bridesmaid again.” Ouch.

The Unseen Battle: Mindset Over Medals

It was a bizarre scene, but honestly, most eyes were already on Korda’s trophy photoshoot. Everyone expects Hull, who’s 30, to snag a major before Lopez, who’s 32. Everyone, that is, except Lopez herself. She’s clearly on a mission for a major, and nothing else will cut it.

She’s even been getting advice from her countrywoman, the two-time major winner Lorena Ochoa. Lopez is tweaking her schedule, cutting out some of her usual summer starts. Why? Grass types, apparently. If a major is on bentgrass, she doesn’t want to be prepping on poa. Makes sense, I guess. When her competitive fire starts burning too hot, her physio – Aaron Bond – tells her to chill. “Let’s be smart,” he told her this year. “Let’s be focused on what you want to achieve. At the end of the day, let’s put yourself in a position that you can have a shot on the back nine on Sunday.”

Sounds a bit cliché, maybe. But at Riviera, it damn near worked. Right up until the 70th hole, anyway. Korda had a 21-footer for birdie on the 16th green. Lopez was on a similar line, but her putt was 28 feet. Korda made it in two strokes. Lopez needed three. That bogey on the 16th, the one that ultimately decided the U.S. Open, would haunt most players. Not Lopez, though. She’s got three more majors this season, and she’s only seeing the positives.

“There’s not one thing that I regret,” she said, probably with a smirk. “I’m happy. I’m proud… We just have to be a little tighter in a couple weeks and hopefully one day it’s our chance.”

This isn’t just about showing up. This is about a strategic approach, a laser focus on what truly matters in the biggest moments. Lopez isn’t just playing golf; she’s playing the long game of her career, prioritizing the major championships above all else. It’s a bold strategy, and one that clearly pays off in terms of her mental fortitude when the pressure is at its absolute peak.

What “Winning” Really Looks Like in Golf

Let’s be real. Most golfers, myself included, would be absolutely gutted finishing second in a major. You’ve done all the work, you’ve put yourself in contention, and then… someone else hoists the trophy. It’s enough to make you want to throw your clubs into the nearest lake. But Lopez is showing us all a different way to look at it. She’s not letting a single shot define her entire week, or her entire season.

Think about it. How many times have we seen players crumble under the weight of a major championship? The pressure is immense. The expectations, both internal and external, can be crushing. For Lopez to walk away from that situation feeling “amazing” and “not disappointed at all” is, frankly, mind-blowing. It speaks volumes about her mental toughness and her ability to compartmentalize.

She’s not dwelling on the missed putt. She’s not replaying the 70th hole over and over in her head. Instead, she’s focusing on the fact that she was there. She was in contention. She put herself in a position to win. That’s a massive achievement in itself, especially in the cutthroat world of professional golf.

Her approach is a masterclass in positive reinforcement and strategic goal-setting. By consulting with Lorena Ochoa, a proven major winner, Lopez is tapping into a wellspring of experience and wisdom. She’s not just trying to figure it out on her own; she’s seeking guidance from those who have already conquered the mountain.

And the physio’s advice? That’s pure gold. “Let’s be smart.” It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of competition and want to play every single event. But true champions understand the importance of pacing themselves, of peaking at the right times. Lopez is clearly prioritizing her health and her performance in the majors, even if it means sacrificing some other opportunities. That kind of discipline is what separates the good players from the truly great ones.

The Bigger Picture: Beyond the Leaderboard

This isn’t just about Gaby Lopez. This is a lesson for every golfer out there, from the weekend warrior to the aspiring pro. We often get so fixated on the outcome, on the final score, that we forget to appreciate the journey. We forget to celebrate the small victories along the way.

Lopez’s attitude is a refreshing reminder that success in golf isn’t always about holding the trophy. It’s about:

• Continuous Improvement: Every tournament, every round, is an opportunity to learn and grow. Lopez is clearly using this U.S. Women’s Open experience as fuel for future success.
• Mental Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, to maintain a positive outlook even when things don’t go your way, is crucial. Lopez is a shining example of this.
• Strategic Planning: She’s not just showing up and swinging. Lopez has a plan, and she’s executing it, even if it means making tough choices about her schedule.
• Self-Belief: Ultimately, her confidence in her own abilities, and her belief that she can win a major, is what drives her forward.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and the drama of major championships. We see the winners, we celebrate their triumphs, and we often forget the stories of those who came so close. Gaby Lopez’s performance at the U.S. Women’s Open, and more importantly, her reaction to it, is a story that deserves to be told. It’s a story about redefining what it means to win, about finding success even when you don’t finish first.

She’s not just a runner-up; she’s a testament to the power of a positive mindset and a strategic approach to the game. And as she said, “hopefully one day it’s our chance.” Based on her attitude and her preparation, I wouldn’t bet against it. Her journey to a major title is far from over; in many ways, it feels like it’s just getting started.

A Glimpse into the Future: What’s Next for Lopez?

The golf world is always buzzing with speculation about who’s next in line for a major breakthrough. With players like Nelly Korda and Scottie Scheffler setting ridiculously high bars, it’s easy to get caught up in the narrative of who’s currently dominating. But stories like Gaby Lopez’s remind us that the landscape of professional golf is constantly shifting.

Her commitment to focusing on majors, even if it means adjusting her schedule and potentially missing out on other lucrative events, is a bold play. It shows a deep understanding of her own game and a clear vision for her career trajectory. This isn’t the path of a player who’s content with just being in the mix; this is the path of a player who is laser-focused on achieving the ultimate prize.

Her words about being “a little tighter in a couple weeks” suggest a confidence that goes beyond just participation. She believes she has the game, and now she’s refining the mental and strategic aspects to ensure she’s in peak form when it truly matters. It’s a process that requires immense discipline and a willingness to trust the plan, even when it means making sacrifices.

This approach isn’t for everyone. Many players thrive on consistent competition, using every start as a chance to hone their skills and build momentum. But for Lopez, the majors represent the pinnacle, and she’s tailoring her entire season around maximizing her chances of success on those grand stages. It’s a calculated risk, but one that, based on her mindset, seems entirely justified.

We’ve seen players completely change their fortunes with a single major victory. It can unlock a new level of confidence, attract new sponsors, and solidify a player’s legacy. Gaby Lopez is clearly positioning herself for that moment. Her second-place finish at the U.S. Women’s Open wasn’t just a near-miss; it was a powerful statement of intent.

The golf world should keep a close eye on Gaby Lopez. Her journey is a compelling narrative of ambition, strategic thinking, and an unwavering belief in her ability to achieve her biggest dreams. She might not have won the trophy this time, but she certainly won the respect and attention of everyone who witnessed her remarkable performance and her even more remarkable attitude. For more on the mental game in golf, check out resources on sports psychology, which offer insights into how athletes can optimize their performance under pressure. You can find valuable information on sites like the American Psychological Association’s section on Sport and Exercise Psychology .

Her “win” at the U.S. Women’s Open wasn’t on the scoreboard, but it was in the triumph of her spirit. And that, in the long run, might just be the most significant victory of all.