​Ryu Hae-ran captured the Amundi Evian Championship in France by defeating Canada’s Brooke Henderson on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff, sealing her back-to-back major titles on Sunday. The victory adds to Ryu’s earlier triumph at the Women’s PGA Championship just two weeks prior, proving her status as a dominant force in women’s golf. Ryu had surged into contention by delivering a course-record 11-under 60 in the third round, a performance that gave her a commanding three-shot lead heading into the final round. This sensational momentum set the stage for an intense Sunday battle at Evian, where the field attempted to chase her down.
Henderson, who entered the final round tied for the lead, fought back with an aggressive approach, carding a level-par 72 in the decisive round while making three eagles, including an extraordinary hole-in-one at the par-three eighth. Her late surge also featured a superb finish with an eagle opportunity at the 18th, which helped her finish tied at 19-under for the tournament. Despite Henderson’s dramatic late push and the charge from Japan’s Aki Iwai, who finished one shot behind after narrowly missing a birdie chance on the closing hole, the day belonged to Ryu. Iwai, who compiled a strong 68 in the final round, found herself within striking distance of the playoff before conceding the runner-up spot to the eventual playoff participants.
In the playoff’s opening hole, Ryu showed remarkable nerve and precision by rolling in a three-foot birdie putt, putting immediate pressure on Henderson, who could only secure par. The decisive moment arrived as Ryu’s short birdie opportunity found the bottom of the cup, reversing the roles of the front nine and the finish. Henderson, the 2022 Evian champion, was left to reflect on a tough loss after doing everything possible to extend the competition, but Ryu’s early advantage in the playoff proved insurmountable.
Following the round, Ryu spoke with evident emotion about the historic significance of her achievement. “This is just a dream. Three weeks ago, I didn’t have a major title. And now I’ve won two in a row,” she said, underscoring the rapid ascent that has defined her 2024 season. Her remarks reflected the confidence and relief of a player who has elevated her status on golf’s biggest stages, hitting critical shots when it mattered most and maintaining composure under playoff pressure.
The Evian Championship this year showcased a blend of outstanding skill, dramatic twists, and a standout performance from a player who has now joined an elite circle of multiple major winners. Ryu’s course-record round not only transformed her three-shot cushion into a championship charge but also underscored her capacity to deliver under pressure when the stakes are highest. Henderson’s final-round eagle spree and Iwai’s late surge added to the drama, ensuring the Evian Championship remained one of the sport’s most electrifying events.
As the sun set over Evian-les-Bains, Ryu celebrated a momentous win that cemented her status as a premier figure in women’s golf. With back-to-back majors, she has positioned herself as a formidable benchmark for peers and a source of inspiration for aspiring players around the world. The victory also highlighted the depth of talent in the women’s game, where a combination of power, precision, and nerves can turn a Sunday into a defining chapter in a golfer’s career. For Ryu, the path forward looks bright, with renewed confidence and a growing trophy collection that reflects a remarkable season of excellence.