The Evian Championship, a prestigious women's golf major, witnessed a stunning turn of events as defending champion Grace Kim and several Australian golf stars suffered early exits. The tournament, held in France, saw the withdrawal of Kim, Minjee Lee, and Gabriela Ruffels, alongside the surprise elimination of world No.1 Nelly Korda.
One of the standout moments of the tournament was the performance of rising English star Lottie Woad, who took the lead with a seven-under 64 score. Woad's round was characterized by eight birdies and a bogey, showcasing her exceptional driving and greens accuracy. She attributed her success to her driver's precision, emphasizing the importance of fairway accuracy in the challenging Evian course.
The tournament also featured a notable comeback from Japanese player Akie Iwai, who held a two-stroke lead overnight. However, her 69 score on the second day was not enough to maintain her advantage, as she finished just one stroke ahead of Frenchwoman Perrine Delacou.
The big shock of the tournament was undoubtedly Nelly Korda's early exit. Despite a poor opening round of 74, Korda improved with a 69 on the second day, but her one-over total left her tied for 67th place, just one stroke away from the cut mark. Korda's bid for a third-straight major and fifth overall came to an abrupt end, highlighting the unpredictability of the Evian Championship.
The Australian contingent's poor performance was a stark contrast to Kim's remarkable victory in the 2025 edition. Her compatriots, including Hannah Green, Kelsey Bennett, and Robyn Choi, all missed the weekend cut, with Ruffels and Lee finishing at the bottom of the pile. The tournament also saw the late scrapes of Karis Davidson and Cassie Porter, who managed to qualify under the cut-line, albeit significantly behind the leading pace set by Woad.
This tournament's outcome underscores the competitive nature of women's golf and the challenges faced by even the world's top players. The Evian Championship, with its demanding course and unpredictable results, continues to be a highlight of the women's golf calendar, offering a platform for emerging stars and a reminder of the sport's ever-evolving landscape.
