Evian Championship Tees Off With Top Stars Eyeing Glory in Women’s Fifth Major

Posted : 10 July 2025

The Evian Championship, now established as the fifth major in women's golf since 2013, rarely delivers surprises—its winners are often among the world’s best. As the 2025 edition tees off at the picturesque Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, the world’s top-ranked players are once again in the spotlight. World No. 1 Nelly Korda and No. 2 Atthaya Thitikul are among the biggest names hoping to make their mark starting Thursday.

Korda is still hunting for her first title of the year after a dominant 2024 season that included seven victories. At 26, she’s become a veteran presence on the tour and admitted this week that she sometimes feels out of place among the younger players. “I feel like a grandma out here,” she joked. “But that’s what makes sports exciting—there’s always new talent pushing the standard higher.”

Thitikul, just 22, is still seeking her first major championship win. She came close at the Women’s PGA Championship, where she led after the opening two rounds but eventually slipped to a tie for fourth. Despite the disappointment, her youth and form keep her among the favorites heading into Evian.

Experience still counts in the women’s game, and Minjee Lee proved that last month. The 29-year-old Australian surged past Thitikul to win the Women’s PGA and capture her third career major title. She first tasted major success at the Evian Championship in 2021 and remains a formidable competitor. “The younger players always push us to keep improving, but right now I’m just really motivated on my own,” Lee said.

Past winners at Evian include a who’s who of global talent, such as Brooke Henderson, Jin-Young Ko, In Gee Chun, and Lydia Ko. In 2023, Celine Boutier delighted home fans by becoming the first Frenchwoman to win the tournament, cruising to a six-shot victory. She’s hoping for another strong showing during the European swing. “There’s something energizing about being back home—it gives me a boost,” Boutier shared.

New talents are emerging quickly, with England’s Lottie Woad capturing headlines after a six-stroke victory at the Women’s Irish Open last week. The 21-year-old, currently ranked No. 1 in the world amateur rankings, is looking to build on that success. “If I can stay in form and get into contention, that would be great,” she said.

The Evian Resort course, a 6,504-yard, par-71 layout perched above Lake Geneva, may not carry the same prestige as the other majors, but its stunning views and challenging layout make it a standout venue. “Even hitting bad shots here doesn’t feel as bad,” said Korda, summing up the tranquil yet competitive vibe of this week’s event.

Evian Championship Tees Off With Top Stars Eyeing Glory in Women’s Fifth Major

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