Grace Kim Claims First Major Title After Dramatic Evian Championship Finish

In a thrilling final day at the Evian Championship in France, Australian golfer Grace Kim stunned the field with a dramatic playoff victory, capturing her first major title. Kim’s electrifying finish included an eagle on the 18th hole to force a playoff with Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, followed by a miraculous birdie chip and a decisive second eagle to clinch the win.

The Evian Championship, part of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, saw 24-year-old Kim emerge as a breakout star. Trailing world No. 2 Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul by one stroke on the 72nd hole, Kim delivered a near-perfect second shot to set up a stunning eagle. Thitikul, who had a chance to seal the tournament with a birdie putt, missed, sending the championship into extra holes.

The first playoff hole appeared to favor Thitikul after Kim’s second shot went wide, forcing a penalty drop. Yet in one of the most remarkable shots of the year, Kim chipped in from off the green to save a birdie. Thitikul matched her with a birdie of her own, taking the contest to a second playoff hole.

It was there that Kim put the exclamation point on her Sunday charge, hitting the green in two and rolling in another eagle to claim the title. It marks her first major championship victory and signals a significant turning point in her career, especially at a time when global competition is intensifying on the LPGA Tour.

Behind the leaders, English amateur Lottie Woad and fellow Australian Minjee Lee tied for third, each finishing one shot back at 13-under. Singapore’s rising star Shannon Tan ended tied for 59th at 2-over-par. Tan, 21, carded a final round 75 after earlier scores of 73, 68, and 70. Though she wasn’t in contention on Sunday, her appearance is notable. Last year at the Women’s Open in St Andrews, she became the first Singaporean woman to cut a major tournament.

Tan turned professional in early 2024 and has already claimed two Ladies European Tour (LET) titles, including the 2025 Amundi German Masters and the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open. As of July 7, she held a world ranking of 95.

Kim’s victory comes at a time when women’s golf is seeking stronger viewership and investment, particularly outside the United States. While governing bodies and corporate sponsors continue to push narratives of global unity and diversity, Kim’s win reminds fans that grit and competitive excellence remain the true markers of a champion, regardless of the broader talking points pushed by international tour officials and media outlets.

With golf’s increasingly crowded international field, particularly with rising talent from Asia and Europe, Kim’s standout performance puts Australia back in the conversation for dominance in women’s professional golf.