Yuna Nishimura went wire-to-wire to win the 2026 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship by five shots. This is her first career win on the LPGA Tour.
After two rounds of 63 (-8) to start her tournament, Nishimura began her final round with a five-shot lead over Auston Kim, Mary Liu and Michelle Zhang. Nishimura opened her round with a 36 (E) on the front before making three birdies and an eagle on the back nine to seal the victory. Nishimura explained the back nine was the difference for her this weekend.
“Last nine holes were the key holes for me, and so I just believed in myself and then I just went for it until the end,” she said.
Although Nishimura had not won on the LPGA Tour before this week, she has six career wins on the JLPGA, with her most recent victory coming at the Nippon Ham Ladies Classic in July of 2022. Nishimura said the atmosphere is what she will remember the most about her first LPGA win.
“This is one of the tournaments that I feel the most love from the fans, and especially on No. 18. It’s a lot of fun. I love the energy and so, yeah, the fans mean a great deal to me,” she said.
With her win, Nishimura earned $450,000 in prize money and 500 points in the Race to CME Globe. She is projected to move inside of the top 40 of the standings.
In Gee Chun, Aki Iwai and Chanettee Wannasaen finished in a tie for second place.
The LPGA Tour begins its stretch on the Pacific Ocean next week at the Lotte Championship presented by Hoakalei. Youmin Hwang is the defending champion.
