Grace Kim has made history with one of the most remarkable comebacks in the world of golf, securing her first major title at the Evian Championship in France. Overcoming a four-shot deficit in a dramatic final round, Kim clinched victory over world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul on the second playoff hole.
“I don’t know how it happened, really,” Kim expressed in disbelief after her stunning eagle-birdie-eagle finish secured her the crown in the fourth major of the year. With three eagles in a breathtaking final-round 67, Kim finished with a 14-under-par 270 total, joining the ranks of Karrie Webb, Minjee Lee, Hannah Green, and Jan Stephenson as only the fifth Australian woman to win a major.
A Dramatic Turn of Events
Thitikul seemed poised to capture her first major title as Kim, along with fellow Australians Minjee Lee and Gabriela Ruffels, faced challenges on the final stretch at the Evian Resort Club. Ruffels had shared the lead, while Kim and Lee were just one shot behind entering the final round in the picturesque French Alps, near Lake Geneva.
However, the day was filled with unexpected twists. Kim found herself in a playoff with Thitikul after delivering a contender for shot of the year with a spectacular eagle on the closing par-five 18th hole. Thitikul had a chance to win but missed a short sliding downhill putt, allowing Kim to tap in for eagle and force the playoff.
Playoff Tension and Triumph
The playoff was no less dramatic. On the first extra hole, Kim’s second shot landed in a hazard, seemingly giving Thitikul the advantage. Yet, Kim miraculously chipped in for birdie, extending the playoff. On the second extra hole, Thitikul faltered again, unable to match Kim’s eagle.
“I wasn’t worried,” Kim said, reflecting on her miraculous chip. “Dropped the ball and it kind of ended up in a pretty decent lie and I just wanted to make sure I got it there. Yeah, just happened to have chipped it in. I don’t know if I can do it again. That was great.”
Earlier, Kim had double-bogeyed the 12th hole and thought she was out of contention. “I thought I was out of it,” she admitted. “But I just said to myself and to my caddy, ‘I’ve got nothing else to lose’.”
Australia’s New Golfing Star
Kim’s epic victory secured Australia a second consecutive major, following Minjee Lee’s triumph at the Women’s PGA Championship just three weeks prior. After closing with a 67 to post a four-round 14-under-270 total, Kim narrowly edged out Lee, who closed with a 68, by one shot.
Ruffels’ third-round co-leader, England’s Cara Gainer, quickly faded with four bogeys in the first five holes. For Kim, a four-time winner of Karrie Webb’s scholarship, the victory was potentially life-changing. “It’s a huge achievement for me,” she noted. “I’ve had a lot of doubts early this year. I was kind of losing motivation. I kind of had to get some hard conversations done with the team. Yeah, kind of had to wake up a little bit.”
“So to be sitting here next to this trophy is definitely surreal.”
A Bright Future for Australian Golf
Completing a stellar championship for Australia’s emerging talents, 2024 runner-up Steph Kyriacou made a last-day charge, finishing with a 64 to tie for 14th. The triumph of Kim and her compatriots highlights the promising future of Australian golf, as a new generation of players continues to make their mark on the international stage.
As Grace Kim basks in her newfound glory, the world of golf eagerly anticipates her next moves. Her victory at the Evian Championship not only marks a significant personal achievement but also signals a bright future for Australian women in golf.
