Grace Kim Wins First Major Title in Playoff Thriller at Evian

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Australian edges out world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul in dramatic finish to capture Amundi Evian Championship

Australia’s Grace Kim captured her first major title in sensational style at the Amundi Evian Championship, outlasting world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul in a two-hole playoff at France’s Evian Resort Golf Club.

A Playoff Full of Twists

Both Kim and Thitikul began the final round tied for third and matched each other with 4-under-par 67s to finish at 13-under. Thitikul led for most of the day, but Kim forced extra holes with a clutch eagle on the 18th.

The first playoff hole looked to be a setback for Kim after she found water, but the 24-year-old responded with a remarkable chip-in for birdie. The pair returned to the 18th for a second playoff hole, where Kim drained her second eagle putt of the day to seal the victory.

“It’s a huge achievement for me,” said Kim, who admitted she had struggled with motivation earlier in the year. “To be sitting here next to this trophy is definitely surreal.”

She added that her four-hybrid—used on all three trips down the 18th—had earned a permanent place in her bag after Sunday’s heroics.

Battling Illness, Clinching History

Kim wasn’t at her best physically this week, saying she felt worst just the day before her win. Despite that, she became the third consecutive player to earn a first major title at the Evian Resort, following in the footsteps of Ayaka Furue and Celine Boutier.

Her victory brings a $1.2 million prize and adds to her previous LPGA win at the 2023 Lotte Championship, which she also won in a playoff.

Strong Performances From Rising Stars

Thitikul, who delivered a bogey-free round with four birdies on Sunday, finished solo second. “I’m so proud of myself and what I did out there,” said the five-time LET winner. “Even when I make some or miss some—that’s all I can do.”

England’s Lottie Woad, the current top-ranked amateur in the world, shared third place with three-time major winner Minjee Lee. Woad, riding high after her LET win at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open, posted a strong final round and now has 20 points in the LPGA’s LEAP programme. This gives her the option to take up LPGA membership.

“I’ll discuss it with my family and coaches,” Woad said. “It’s been really fun this week.”

Standouts and Leaderboard Shifts

Angel Yin and Andrea Lee tied for fifth at 12-under, with Yin carding the round of the day—a scorching 8-under 63. Ariya Jutanugarn and Leona Maguire finished tied for seventh, one shot further back.

England’s Cara Gainer, who led after 54 holes, ended tied for 14th in her Evian debut. South Africa’s Casandra Alexander, just two shots back entering the final round, closed in 20th.

Final Leaderboard here

In the LET Order of Merit, Mimi Rhodes of England remains the leader, ahead of Sara Kouskova (Czechia) and Shannon Tan (Singapore).

The LET now takes a short break before heading to Scotland for the ISPS HANDA Scottish Open at Dundonald Links from July 24–27.