​Haeran Ryu captured her second major title in just three weeks by clinching a thrilling victory at the Evian Championship on Sunday in Evian-les-Bains, France. She sealed the win with a birdie on the first playoff hole after the 72-hole schedule had ended in a tie with Brooke Henderson. Henderson, representing Canada, had surged into contention with an ace on the eighth hole and her second eagle of the day on the 18th, finishing at 7-under par 64 at the Evian Resort Golf Club. Those two players finished regulation tied at 19-under-par 265, with Ryu, the South Korean star, matching Henderson’s score after the third round’s leader carded a steady 71 on Sunday to keep pace.
Ryu then returned to the 18th hole in the playoff, where Henderson found trouble off the tee, landing in the rough and sending her second shot over the green, eventually parring the hole and allowing Ryu to seize the moment. Ryu lined up a decisive 3-foot birdie putt, securing her fifth LPGA Tour victory and continuing her remarkable 2024 season, which already included a major breakthrough with the Women’s PGA Championship at the end of June. After sinking the final putt, Ryu embraced the sense of accomplishment, acknowledging the historic nature of her back-to-back major triumphs.
“Yeah, this is just a dream right now because before these three weeks I didn’t have a major championship, but now two in a row,” Ryu said, allowing a hint of disbelief to surface in her voice. “So I’m so happy, and I can’t believe it right now.” The dramatic finish capped a week in which Ryu had climbed to the top of the leaderboard, following up on the previous day’s historic scoring, with a final round that featured one birdie and one bogey. Her lone birdie in regulation came on the 18th hole, a moment she described as nerve-wracking but ultimately rewarding.
“I know how important that putt was, which is why I was so nervous,” Ryu admitted after securing the win. “But I made it, and then I almost felt a little celebratory as the last two birdies came.” The emotional victory added to her recent run of success and marked a high point in a season already highlighted by major success.
Henderson, who has shown strong form across majors in recent years, reflected on a performance that underscored her competitive spirit. “I played awesome today, which is really exciting. Finishing second in a major and third place a couple of weeks ago shows that my game is in a really good spot,” she said. “Obviously it’s very exciting to get into the playoff. I wish I had played a little bit better, but Haeran has been playing great. Congrats to her. I’m happy with how I played—lots of birdies and eagles, which is really fun.” Henderson’s confidence and positive outlook remained intact despite the loss, with the playoff format offering a platform to demonstrate her resilience and drive.
In third place, Japan’s Aki Iwai posted a 69 on Sunday, finishing one stroke behind the leaders. She was joined in the standings by Miyu Yamashita (66) and Mao Saigo (68), both of Japan, who tied with South Korean Jin Hee Im (65) in a multi-way tie for fourth. The Evian Championship delivered a compelling narrative of near misses and dramatic finishes, underscoring the depth and talent across the LPGA Tour.
Ryu’s victory at Evian complemented her recent success, marking a remarkable sequence of major achievements in a short period. The triumph added to her other major win at the Women’s PGA Championship on June 28, highlighting a surge that has captivated fans, critics, and fellow competitors alike. The Evian result further solidified Ryu’s standing as one of the season’s most formidable players, a testament to her precision, nerve, and championship temperament under pressure.
This season’s Evian Championship also highlighted the resilience and depth of the tour’s field, with multiple players challenging for the title until the very end. In the aftermath, fans and analysts praised the level of competition on display, acknowledging that the playoff format produced a dramatic and memorable conclusion. Ryu’s two major titles in quick succession have sparked conversations about her potential for continued dominance, the evolving landscape of women’s golf, and the ways in which top players continue to elevate their games when it matters most.
Overall, the Evian Championship delivered a compelling blend of talent, strategy, and drama, culminating in a historic victory for Haeran Ryu and a strong, encouraging performance from Brooke Henderson as she continues to demonstrate the elite level of play that has defined her career.