30 May, 2025; Erin, Visconsin, USA; Grace Kim during the second round of the US Women Open Golf Tournament. Compulsory Credit: Beni CU-Emagan Picture Australian Grace Kim rescued his best for the final as he won his first major title at the Evian Championship in Evian-Less-Bans, France on Sunday.
After spinning their wheels through the first 14 holes,-one eagle, two shovedies, two bogies, a double bogie and eight pars-kim ended their round with Birdies in 15 and 16 and a final-eagle to force a playoff with Thailand’s World No. 2 Geno Thitikul. Kim won with an eagle on the second playoff hole.
Kim and Thaitikul entered the final round at the Avian Resort Golf Club in a four-way tie for the other, one placed a shot behind England co-leaders Kara Gainer and Australia’s Gabrila Rafales. Kim and Thaitikul each converted to the 4-end round of 67 to finish in regulation at 14-under 270.
Thaitikul was stable throughout the bogie-free phase, recording four birdies. This was nothing like a roller coaster for Kim, on which the put on 18 sealed the playoffs, then a miraculous chip-in from the penalty area to survive on the first playoff hole.
“I was not worried,” he said. “The ball dropped and it ended in a very decent lie and just wanted to make sure that I found it there.
And to win on the second playoff hole, Put kept him in fog.
“Just looked at the straight hole. This is what my caddy asked me to do and I did so,” he said. “Yes, I don’t know what happened. Like, I don’t know how I am already here from here. Yes, everything happened quickly, but I am happy that I am definitely sitting here.”
This is Kim’s second LPGA Tour win. The 24 -year -old won his first title at the Lotte Championship in 2023. He is at number 99 in the world.
The 22 -year -old Thaitikul has won the LPGA tour five times and was seeking his first major title.
“I am proud of myself today,” he said. “I know it’s going to be a difficult day, it’s going to be a long day, but I just want to say that I am very proud of myself and what I did there.”
It was an upcoming party for the British Amateur Loti Vod, who fired a final round 64 to finish a shot in the 13-under-under, who finished third with Australian Mingi Lee (68).
The 12-under 272 was two shots and the fifth had Americans Angel Yin (63) and Andrea Lee (66), with Aria Jutanugaran (66) of Thailand and Leona Maguire (67) of Ireland finished seventh position.
Third -round leaders Gainer (74) and Rafael (72) could not keep pace on low scoring days.
Wod had eight Birdies a day, which was interrupted by a bogie on cross -3 number 14 that would stick to him.
“I am probably going to think about a shot for a while, but I am very happy how I played today,” she said.
Wod was playing to qualify for his LPGA tour card, which he did. Now, she has left to decide when she wants to change the Pro.
“Buses are going to use the next week at home with family and coaches to discuss options and then I will decide after that,” he said.
“I always wanted to play on LPGA,” he continued. “Whenever he is, it’s going to be really fun and I am only eager to play all events.”
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