South Korea's Haeran Ryu has cemented her place at the top of women's golf, securing her second major championship in just two weeks at the Evian Championship in France. Ryu overcame a strong challenge from Canada's Brooke Henderson in a sudden-death play-off, describing her recent success as an "unreal dream". This victory follows her triumph at the Women's PGA Championship at Hazeltine in June, marking a formidable period in her career.
Ryu, who had made history on Saturday with an exceptional 11-under par round of 60 to establish a three-shot lead overnight, signed for a 71 on Sunday. Her solitary birdie of the day arrived on the 18th hole, proving crucial in the final standings. The dramatic conclusion saw Canada's Henderson, the 2022 Evian champion, mount a remarkable comeback from seven strokes behind at the start of the day. Henderson's charge culminated in her third eagle of the day on the final hole, carding a seven-under 64 to force the play-off.
The tension continued into the extra hole, where Henderson's tee shot drifted left, forcing her to lay up. Ryu capitalised on the opportunity, making a birdie while her opponent could only manage a par, sealing her victory. The win is particularly notable given Ryu had missed the cut at this event 12 months prior and finished 61st at PGA Frisco in 2025, highlighting a significant improvement in her performance.
Ryu's exceptional form sees her join world number one Nelly Korda as the only players to have claimed all four of the women's majors contested so far this season. Korda previously secured victories at the Chevron Championship and the US Women's Open earlier in the year. For her Evian Championship win, Ryu collects the top prize of approximately £1 million.
Other notable performances at the championship included Japan's Aki Iwai, who finished third at 18 under after narrowly missing a birdie putt on the 18th that could have led to a play-off. Compatriots Miyu Yamashita and Mao Saigo, alongside South Korea's Jin-Hee Im, were three shots further back at 15 under. Sweden's Anna Nordqvist was the leading European player at 13 under, while English golfers Charley Hull and Lottie Woad finished at eight under.