​There was a moment on Friday at the Amundi Evian that showed Lottie Woad trailing by five strokes. The young English player charged into the weekend with a one-shot lead, a bold swing that underscored why the tour’s youngest major is known for dramatic shifts. Woad’s 7-under 64 on Day 2 in the warm conditions of France pushed her to 11 under for the tournament. The world No. 4 converted five birdies over the final eight holes at the scenic Evian Resort Golf Club to seize the lead from Japan’s Aki Iwai, who had looked poised to run away with the title. Woad carved out her momentum on the par 5s, playing them in 4 under.
“I’ve been very good off the tee,” Woad said, reflecting on her performance. She finished tied for third at this event last year as an amateur, and she emphasized how important the tee shots are around Evian, where accurate driving can yield numerous wedge opportunities and chances to capitalize.
Lottie Woad of England watches intently on the 13th hole during the second round of The Amundi Evian Championship 2026 at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 10, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. She also noted that she enjoys the golf course, which, around Evian, gives her a mental edge. The venue has been a controversial major from the start, with players recalling that good shots aren’t always rewarded as they should be.
Among those noting the event’s pressure was world No. 1 Nelly Korda, who missed her first cut in two years this week. Korda had not finished outside the top eight all season, but in France she couldn’t get the putter going, leaving several crucial putts short down the stretch to finish one over for the tournament, just outside the cut line. Korda declined to speak with the media for a second straight day.
Meanwhile, five of the world’s top-10 players stood in the top five after two rounds along the shores of Lake Geneva. Hearan Ryu, the newest major winner in women’s golf, shot a 68 to share third with Mao Saiko, the 2025 Chevron winner. Ryu captured the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship less than two weeks earlier and has been riding that momentum into Evian.
World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul matched Woad’s 64, moving from outside the cut line into a share of fifth with Charley Hull. “I love the course, how it looks,” Thitikul said. “I know it’s very slopey, but it has room for you to hit it and let it help you get it to the hole or to the spot you want.”
Charley Hull of England tees off the fourth hole during the second round of The Amundi Evian Championship 2026 at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 10, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. Joining Thitikul and Hull at 5 under are Miyu Yamashita, who recently beat Woad in a playoff at the Meijer LPGA Classic, and France’s Nastasia Nadaud, a rookie on the LPGA.
“We’ve got a good group of European friends who like to stick together, share Airbnbs and stuff,” Nadaud said of adjusting to her first year on the LPGA. “I think that definitely helps not staying alone in your hotel room.” The European Solheim Cup captain, Anna Nordqvist, a past champion, has also weighed in on the evolving storylines and the importance of maintaining focus amid the evolving drama of Evian.