Haeran Ryu of South Korea has claimed her second major championship in as many weeks, winning the Evian Championship in a sudden-death playoff against Canada's Brooke Henderson. The victory adds another prestigious title to Ryu's recent success, following her triumph at the Women's PGA Championship in June.
Ryu described the win as an "unreal dream," especially after not having won a major championship before this recent streak. Her victory at the Evian Championship, held in the east of France, secured her the top prize of $1.4 million.
Ryu entered the final round with a three-shot lead after a remarkable 11-under 60 on Saturday. However, her final round 71 was matched by Henderson, who carded a seven-under 64, forcing a playoff. Henderson had mounted a significant charge, including her third eagle of the day on the final hole to reach the playoff.
During the first hole of the sudden-death playoff, Henderson's tee shot went left, leading to a lay-up and a par. Ryu capitalized on the opportunity, making a birdie to secure the championship.
With this win, Ryu joins an elite group of players who have won multiple women's majors in a single season. World number one Nelly Korda is the only other player to have won two majors so far this year, having won the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women's Open. Ryu's performance is particularly notable given her missed cut at the Evian Championship last year and a 61st-place finish at PGA Frisco earlier in the season.
Japan's Aki Iwai was in contention for much of the final round and shared the lead with Ryu heading into the 18th hole. However, a missed birdie putt relegated her to third place, finishing at 18 under par. Compatriots Miyu Yamashita and Mao Saigo, along with South Korea's Jin-Hee Im, finished tied at 15 under. Anna Nordqvist was the highest-ranked European player at 13 under, while English golfers Charley Hull and Lottie Woad finished at eight under.