Haeran Ryu achieved a remarkable victory at the Evian Championship on July 12, 2026, claiming her second major title within two weeks. The South Korean golfer triumphed over Brooke Henderson in a sudden-death playoff after a thrilling final round at Evian-les-Bains, France.
Ryu, who had a stunning 11-under 60 on Saturday, finished the tournament at 18 under par. She entered the final round with a three-shot lead but faced a strong challenge from Henderson, who shot a seven-under 64 to force the playoff.
Ryu's Journey to Victory
Ryu's path to victory was filled with challenges. After missing the cut in the same event last year, her performance this season has been remarkable. She won the Women's PGA Championship just weeks prior, marking a significant turnaround in her career.
“This is just a dream right now, because before three weeks [ago] I don’t have a major championship, but now two in a row,” Ryu exclaimed after her victory. Her achievements place her among an elite group of players who have won multiple majors in a single season.
Final Round Highlights
The final round was intense, with Ryu starting strong but facing pressure as Henderson made a late charge. Ryu's solitary birdie came on the 18th hole, while Henderson's eagle on the same hole pushed the competition into a playoff.
As they approached the playoff hole, Henderson's tee shot went awry, allowing Ryu to capitalize. Ryu secured her victory with a birdie while Henderson could only manage a par.
Implications of the Win
With this victory, Ryu not only takes home the top prize of $1.4 million but also becomes one of only two players to have won all four women's majors this season. Nelly Korda, the world number one who missed the cut at Evian, previously won the Chevron Championship and the US Women’s Open.
Ryu's success is particularly impressive given her struggles in previous tournaments, including a lowly 61st place at the PGA Frisco in 2025. Her determination and skill have now solidified her status among the top players in women’s golf.
- Haeran Ryu: 1st place, -19
- Brooke Henderson: 2nd place, -18
- Aki Iwai: 3rd place, -18
- Other notable players: Miyu Yamashita, Mao Saigo, Jin-Hee Im at -15
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Sport. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
