Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand showcased her exceptional skills on the golf course by carding a remarkable 7-under 64 during the first round of the Evian Championship, propelling her to a share of the lead alongside Ingrid Lindblad of Sweden and Gemma Dryburgh of Scotland. Tavatanakit, a 24-year-old rising star, has already secured notable victories, including her first major win at the ANA Inspiration in 2021 and a triumph at the LPGA Thailand earlier this year.
The trio's impressive performance places them one stroke ahead of a competitive field that includes American Lauren Coughlin, former Evian champions Hyo Joo Kim and Lydia Ko, as well as talented players like Hye-Jin Choi, Gaby Lopez, and Ayaka Furue. Notable names such as Nelly Korda, defending champion Céline Boutier, and Women’s PGA Championship winner Amy Yang are also in the mix, vying for a shot at the prestigious title.
American standout Nelly Korda, who leads the tour in earnings and titles, posted a 2-under 69, navigating through a round that featured a mix of birdies and challenges, including a double bogey. The Evian Resort Golf Club, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Geneva and the French Alps, provides a picturesque yet demanding setting for the competitors, adding to the allure of the tournament as one of the major events on the golf calendar.
The stakes are high at the Evian Championship, with the winner set to claim a substantial prize of $1.2 million from the total purse of $8 million. Korda, a dominant force on the tour, aims to add another major title to her impressive resume, building on her recent success at the Chevron Championship. The tournament also witnessed moments of brilliance, with two holes-in-one recorded during the morning session, adding to the excitement and drama of the event.
Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Chun-Wei Wu both achieved the rare feat of a hole-in-one, with Shadoff's impressive shot on the 16th hole earning her a coveted prize from sponsor Porsche. Wu's accomplishment on the 5th hole marked her first hole-in-one in a major tournament, highlighting the skill and precision required to excel at the highest level of the sport.
The Evian Championship promises more thrilling action and intense competition as the world's best golfers vie for glory and a chance to etch their names in the annals of golf history.
