Grace Kim delivered a thrilling performance at the Evian Championship to become the fifth Australian woman to win a major in golf, marking a breakthrough moment in her career. The 24-year-old, who had previously secured just one LPGA Tour win in Hawaii in 2023, showcased remarkable resilience and flair to triumph on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Trailing by three shots with only four holes remaining, Kim launched a spirited comeback. She carded back-to-back birdies, followed by a par, and then an eagle on the 18th hole at Evian-les-Bains in the French Alps to pull even with Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, the world number two. Her powerful finish earned her a spot in a sudden-death playoff, setting the stage for one of the most memorable conclusions in recent women’s golf history.
The playoff began with drama, as Kim’s approach shot to the 18th green found the pond. The mistake could have ended her title hopes, but instead, she responded with a dazzling chip-in for birdie from the edge of the water. On the second playoff hole, Kim sealed her victory with a 20-foot eagle putt, stunning spectators and her opponent alike.
In her third season on the LPGA Tour, Kim had struggled for consistency, registering only one top-10 finish in 11 starts prior to the championship. She acknowledged going through a tough mental phase earlier in the year, grappling with self-doubt and flagging motivation. Those challenges prompted difficult conversations with her support team, ultimately leading to a shift in mindset that reinvigorated her approach.
Holding the Evian Championship trophy, Kim described the moment as “surreal,” reflecting on how far she had come. The former Youth Olympics champion had long been viewed as a promising talent, and her win now solidifies her place among the elite in the sport.
The victory comes during a high point for Australian women’s golf. Just weeks earlier, fellow Australian Minjee Lee claimed her third career major at the Women’s PGA Championship. Lee was present for Kim’s dramatic finish, rushing onto the green with a champagne bottle in hand after the decisive eagle putt dropped.
Kim now joins an exclusive group of Australian women who have won majors: Karrie Webb, a seven-time champion; Jan Stephenson, who won three; Hannah Green; and Minjee Lee. She spoke about the inspiration drawn from Webb, noting that her image near the 18th hole locker room served as daily motivation during the tournament. Interestingly, both Lee and Kim won their first majors at Evian, adding a poetic symmetry to Australia’s growing legacy at the event.
Kim’s dramatic turnaround and emotional victory not only redefines her own career trajectory but also highlights the depth of talent emerging from Australia. Her performance will be remembered for its heart, precision, and the kind of composure that defines champions.
