Australia’s Grace Kim claimed her maiden major title at The Amundi Evian Championship, after defeating world number two Jeeno Thitikul, in a dramatic playoff at Evian Resort Golf Club.
Both players began the day tied for third and posted impressive final rounds of 67 (-4) on Sunday. Thitikul held the lead for much of the day with two birdies on the front nine, but Kim’s eagle finish forced a playoff.
On the first playoff hole at 18, the Aussie seemingly handed the title to Thitikul, but responded with a miraculous chip-in for birdie, arguably the best shot of her career. The drama continued as the duo returned to the 18th for a second playoff hole, where Kim then finished with her second eagle putt on 18 to take the win.
“Obviously it’s a huge achievement for me. I’ve had a lot of doubts early this year and I was kind of losing motivation. So to be sitting here next to this trophy is definitely surreal”, said the Aussie.
Commenting on the playoff chip in, she said: “I was pretty annoyed to find out that my ball was in the middle of the water. I don’t know if I can do it again, [having made an eagle only moments before]. It was great. All three times I played that 18th hole today, I hit the same club, which was a four-hybrid. That will be staying in the bag.”
The Aussie can now say she’s a major champion as she takes the $1.2 million prize money. She hasn’t been feeling well this week, feeling the worst yesterday, but managed to push through the pain and clinch the title.
Kim becomes the third consecutive player to earn her first major at Evian Resort Golf Club, joining Ayaka Furue and Celine Boutier.
Prior to this week, the 24-year-old had one career win, the Lotte Championship in 2023, where won in another playoff with Yu Liu and Sung Yu-jin.
Thitikul, who was leading most of the day, came in solo second place where she delivered a flawless final bogey-free round with four birdies for the last 18 holes.
“I think I’m so proud of myself on battling out there today. I know it was always going to be a tough day, and a long day, but I’m so proud of myself and what I did out there”, said the five-time LET winner.
Commenting on the playoff, the Thai star said: “I just told myself, either way it goes, I’ve still got my own back.”
The world number two continued: “I think every moment out there today were great moments – even when I make some or I miss some – that’s all I can do.”
One shot behind was Amateur world number one Lottie Woad, who delivered a sensational final round to finish in a tie for third place alongside three-time major champion Minjee Lee.
England’s rising star entered this week fresh off her maiden LET victory at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open, and has continued her impressive form this week.
Coming into this tournament, Woad was a sponsor invite, and she has now secured 20 points in the LEAP programme which gives you the option to take LPGA membership. She is the first player to do this through this new pathway.
Commenting on whether she will take the membership, she said: “I’m just going to go into next week and discuss with my family and coaches, and then I’ll make a decision after that.
“It’s been really fun this week. I knew starting the day I was only like five off, so I needed to get off to a quick start which I did, and then it was really fun after that.”
Two players were in a tie for fifth place including American duo Angel Yin and Andrea Lee on 12-under-par.
Yin surged up the leaderboard on Sunday after firing six birdies and an eagle to card 63 (-8), and post round of the day.
Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn and Ireland’s Leona Maguire were a further shot behind in T7.
England’s Cara Gainer – the overnight leader – finished in T14 after 72 holes, in what was her Evian debut and still an impressive finish for the LET winner.
South Africa’s Casandra Alexander was only two shots off the lead heading into the final round, and finished one shot behind Gainer in solo 20th place.
In the LET Order of Merit, England’s Mimi Rhodes remains top of the leaderboard n 1,631.88 points, followed by Czechia’s Sara Kouskova on 1,473.71, and Singapore’s Shannon Tan in third on 1,398.07.
The LET has a week break, then will head to Scotland for the ISPS HANDA Scottish Open, taking place at Dundonald Links, 24-27 July.
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