Staff WriterIf the Amundi Evian Championship has taught us anything over the years, it’s that this corner of France doesn’t hand out major trophies—it throws them into a blender, cranks the speed to “chaotic,” and lets the best scrambler come out with a smile.
Grace Kim, did just that, weathering a bogey-studded back nine and a playoff showdown to capture her first major title in a fashion as dramatic as it was gutsy.
The Australian, who hadn’t lifted a trophy since the 2023 LOTTE Championship, came alive when it counted—eagling the final hole of regulation to force a playoff, then dunking another eagle on the second extra hole to beat World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul. “I don’t know what happened. Like I don’t know how I’m in here already since then,” Kim admitted, visibly shell-shocked. “Yeah, just all happened quickly, but I’m glad I’m sitting here for sure.”
That “here” is atop a leaderboard at one of the five women’s majors, where chaos reigns supreme and first-time winners keep marching out like a conga line.
Kim becomes the third consecutive first-time major champion at the Amundi Evian Championship, following Ayaka Furue (2024) and Celine Boutier (2023). She also becomes the second Aussie to win this event, joining Minjee Lee, who triumphed in 2021.
A Finish for the Ages
Sunday’s final round unfolded like a tightly coiled thriller. Kim carded a 4-under 67 with two eagles, four birdies, two bogeys, and one double—yes, she made a mess and still won.
Her eagle at No. 18 pulled her into a tie at 14-under with Thitikul, who had just rolled in a bogey-free 67 and was the only player in the field to post four rounds in the 60s. But golf, bless its unpredictable heart, had more drama to deliver.
On the first playoff hole, Kim found water, took a penalty stroke, then chipped in for birdie—because why not make life hard on yourself? Thitikul matched her birdie after a textbook up-and-down.
Then on the second go-round, Kim’s approach nestled to 10 feet, and she poured it in for eagle. Game, set, championship.
“I think I’m so proud of myself on battling out there today,” Thitikul said, gracious in defeat. “It’s going to be a long day, but I just want to say I’m so proud of what I did.”
Woad Wows, Lee Lingers
Amid the fireworks, amateur Lottie Woad quietly made history. The 20-year-old Englishwoman shot a 64 on Sunday—the lowest round ever by an amateur at Evian—and finished T3 at 13-under.
Her 271 total is the best 72-hole amateur score in tournament history. With her 20 LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway points now secured, Woad has the option to turn pro and claim full LPGA membership for the remainder of this season and all of 2026.
“It’s really cool,” Woad said. “It’s always nice to be the first to do something… just, yeah, relieved now.”
Tied with Woad was none other than Minjee Lee, who was gunning for back-to-back majors after her win at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
A final-hole eagle helped her post a 68, but the magic wasn’t quite enough. “Yeah, I’m a little disappointed, but I’m still happy with my result,” Lee said, who had family fly in from Korea to cheer her on.
The Stats Behind the Story
Kim’s win wasn’t just a feel-good story—it was a statistical feat. She hit 10 of 13 fairways, 13 of 18 greens, and needed just 28 putts.
She also became the 19th different LPGA Tour winner this season through 18 events, and the third player in 2025 to notch her first career major (joining Mao Saigo and Maja Stark).
She now ranks 26th in the Race to CME Globe standings with $1.4 million in earnings this year alone.
And here’s a nugget for trivia night: this marks the first time in history that two Australians have won majors on both the LPGA and PGA Tours in the same season.
The Ones Who Came Close
Andrea Lee and Angel Yin tied for fifth at 12-under. Yin, ever the philosopher, summed up her turbulent week: “This is the one major that always gives me a lot of headaches… I had three three-putts the first day. Every single day except for today I had a three-putt.”
Still, she left with her best finish at Evian. As for Lee, her sights are set forward: “Just trying to instill a lot of confidence and belief in myself. Just putting myself in the position over and over again and hopefully it’ll pay off one day.”
What’s Next?
With her win at the Amundi Evian Championship, Kim vaulted into the top three in the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award standings.
To take home the award, a player must win at least one major and consistently finish in the top 10 across all five. It’ll be awarded in November at the CME Group Tour Championship.
As Grace Kim stood on the 18th green—again—watching her eagle putt disappear for the second time in an hour, there was no mistaking the enormity of the moment.
She wasn’t just winning a tournament. She was announcing her arrival, in the loudest, most electrifying way possible.
And if this performance is anything to go by, she’s not done yet.
