​Grace Kim’s hole-out on the 18th hole at the Evian Resort Golf Club last year grew into a legend, so much so that the course itself honored the moment with a plaque affixed to a tree. On Wednesday’s pro-am at the Amundi Evian Championship, players were given an opportunity to attempt a replication of that same shot—one that stretched a playoff, ultimately won by Kim in her duel with Jeeno Thitikul. Among those who stepped up to try was Australia’s Hannah Green, who added her own distinctive twist to the challenge by hitting the ball left-handed. And her effort paid off with a result that drew astonished reactions from the broadcast team.
“You’ve got to be kidding,” exclaimed Karen Stupples on the Golf Channel broadcast, as Green’s left-handed attempt landed in a favorable position. “She’s just trumped Grace Kim!” chimed in Richard Kaufman, impressed by the audacious execution.
When the tournament got underway on Thursday, Green’s momentum appeared momentarily stalled. She opened with a rough stretch, posting 4 over par through her first seven holes and beginning that stretch with a double bogey on the fifth. The pressure of the moment could have rattled a less seasoned competitor, but Green is known for her resilient mindset and ability to recalibrate under stress.
After the shaky start, the major champion demonstrated the mental fortitude that has defined her career. She steadied her approach and delivered a run of solid holes, stringing together three consecutive birdies on holes eight through ten. She followed that surge with two additional birdies on the 12th and 14th holes, trimming away at the deficit and finishing the day with a 1-under 70. Despite the late rally, Green finished seven strokes behind the leading score of Aki Iwai, who was in front at the outset of the tournament.
Beth Ann Nichols, a senior writer at Golfweek, covers the LPGA and women’s golf extensively and provided coverage of Green’s performance. This recap first appeared on Golfweek, highlighting Green’s left-handed replication of Grace Kim’s famous shot at Evian and Green’s subsequent showing in the event.
The Evian Championship remains one of the most high-profile stops on the LPGA Tour, drawing players from around the globe to compete on a course that has become steeped in recent history for its dramatic finishes and memorable moments. Green’s left-handed attempt to mirror Kim’s iconic shot added another layer of intrigue to the event’s ongoing narrative, illustrating the playful spirit of the pro-am while showcasing Green’s willingness to push creative boundaries even in a competitive setting. As the field pressed forward in the main event, eyes continued to follow Green’s trajectory, noting how a bold, unconventional approach can translate into a compelling performance even when the scoreboard doesn’t reflect a victory that day.