​The Evian Championship begins this Thursday by the tranquil lake in Evian, with Nelly Korda aiming for a third major title of the season and Grace Kim returning to the very course that framed her dramatic victory last year. Kim, who defeated Jeeno Thitikul on the second playoff hole to clinch last year’s win, told reporters on Wednesday that securing her first major has given her newfound confidence. “You know, golf can really humble you quite quickly, so in the times when it does get tough I think I handle myself a lot better,” said the 25-year-old Korean-Australian.
Last year, Kim produced the memorable chip-in from beneath a tree near the 18th green to rescue herself on the first playoff hole. Organisers have installed a small blue plaque to mark the moment. “I saw it for the first time yesterday and it was really cool,” she said, adding that hearing fans come to Evian and try the shot themselves made the experience feel meaningful. “Hearing those people who come to play Evian and try it out themselves, yeah, it kind of makes me feel nice about it.”
Thitikul, who was one stroke away from clinching her first major last year after missing a short putt on the 18th in regulation, then watched Kim chip in to stay alive in the playoff before holing an eagle putt to win as the two faced the 18th again. “I knew it was short, but if you looked up to it you’d understand you’re really grateful for the chance to be in contention,” said the 23-year-old Thai, who has since fallen to No. 2 in the world behind Korda. “You can’t let it go… because if you tell yourself not to, it’s always going to stay in your mind.” Thitikul has since kept that memory close, shaping her to remain focused and positive.
As for Korda, the Evian Championship marks the fourth of the five women’s majors in the year. The American won the Chevron Championship by five strokes in Houston in April and then captured the US Open in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, in June. The Alps-based Evian event sits in the middle of a demanding stretch, being the second of three majors within six weeks, with the British Open set to begin on July 29 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, England. South Korean golfer Ryu Hae-ran started this sequence by taking the PGA Championship in June at Hazeltine in Minnesota.
“It’s a lot, definitely,” Korda acknowledged. “A lot mentally, physically, and with it being a week and a half ago we were in Minnesota. And then this week we’re in France, and then we’ll be traveling all over, which can be a lot.” She emphasized the importance of prioritizing rest and recovery, ensuring she does not overextend herself. “So making sure that you’re prioritising your body, your rest, and not overdoing it. I think at this point in the season, sometimes resting is actually more beneficial,” she added.