Germany’s Helen Briem, South Africa’s Casandra Alexander, and England’s Cara Gainer all got off to a dream start on their Amundi Evian Championship debuts.
Briem carded a four-under-par (67) in her first-ever major round, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 15th and four additional birdies.
“I struggled a little bit on the front nine with my driver, but I recovered well from that, so I’m happy,” said the LET winner.
Reflecting on how far she’s come, she said: “I mean, it’s so cool. Four years ago when I played my first Junior Solheim Cup I took pictures with many players that I am playing today with, so that’s just amazing to see those steps I took the last four years. So I’m really happy with my first major.
“I took a picture with Jess and Nelly [Korda]. I saw them two days ago and I think it’s so cool to see that progress – from being a fangirl to being in the same field.”
Alexander matched Briem’s confident energy with the same low score, opening her campaign with a composed round with just a single bogey on the 17th.
“I felt really good out there,” said the South African. “It was a clean round — just one bogey, which always helps because it means your birdies really count. I’ve played at Evian before, but under very different conditions at the Jabra Ladies Open, not a major. It’s great to be back, and I’m really pleased with how I played.”
Reflecting on the contrast between the two tournaments held at the same venue, Alexander highlighted just how much tougher the major setup has been.
“It’s a lot different to Jabra [Ladies Open]. The rough is up, fairways are cut more narrow. Greens are fast. Pin positions are tough. I can name a whole list. It’s definitely different. I think that’s what majors are all about. It has to be tougher than the general golf tournament.”
(Casandra Alexander during the opening round. Credit Mark Runnacles/LET)
Despite managing an ACL injury this season, Alexander has enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, including a win at the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open.
“I’ve had a good year so far if I take the whole year and sum it up already, so it’s been great. A lot of positives. A couple of negatives as we know.”
Gainer was part of the first group out, alongside fellow compatriot Alice Hewson. Despite the early tee time, the LET winner embraced the calm of the morning start. Joined by her Dad and fiancé, she managed an impressive opening round of three-under par for the first 18 holes.
“It’s such a great start. I’m super happy with the day”, said Gainer. “I played really nice all day. I barely missed a fairway, so that’s obviously really important round this golf course. So lots of fairways, lots of greens, and rolled in a few nice putts as well. Unfortunately bogeyed the 18th hole. I just slightly misjudged the wind with the approach shot. That kind of thing happens round here and you just have to accept it and move on.
“I was definitely nervous on the first tee – it’s such a tight course, and you really have to be sharp from the beginning,” she said. “I just told myself to keep it straight. It helped having Alice [Hewson] with me – we’ve known each other a long time, so it was nice to share that first group.”
Gainer is no stranger to the Evian Resort Golf Club, having played well at the Jabra Ladies Open earlier this season.
“I love this golf course and had a good result here at the Jabra,” she said. “It’s set up slightly differently this week, but a lot of it feels familiar. I’m definitely trying to draw confidence from that earlier performance and not overthink the fact that this is a major.”
“My driving was probably the best part of my game today – I hit nearly every fairway, which is key here,” she said. “You really can’t afford to be in the rough, so keeping it in the short grass makes a big difference.”
After her strong start, Gainer planned to take advantage of the setting.
“We’re thinking about hopping on a boat over to Lausanne to enjoy the lake a bit – the weather’s amazing,” she said. “Maybe go for a little run in the afternoon and just relax. I’ll try to enjoy shooting a 68 in a major – that’s definitely a first for me.”
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