A day full of twists and turns in Évian as the conclusion of the second round preceded the start of Moving Day. Bathed in the radiant Alpine sun, The Champions Course allowed the best golfers of the week to shine. At the end of this long day, Australian Stephanie Kyriacou took the lead in The Amundi Evian Championship 2024. The most consistent player this week with three rounds of 66-66-67, totaling fourteen under par, she is now reaping the rewards. Playing in the final group of a Major for the first time, all eyes will be on her. Trailing by one stroke are Japan's Ayaka Furue and America's Lauren Coughlin.

Stephanie Kyriacou Leads Alone, Coughlin and Furue Close Behind

In 2024, Stephanie Kyriacou hasn't recorded a single top-10 finish. However, she has secured five since joining the LPGA Tour in 2022. The 23-year-old Australian is still learning, but she already demonstrates a high level of play to compete with the best on the circuit. Evidence of this is her current solo lead in the Major. Ranked 100th in the Rolex Women’s World Ranking, she has been improving each year at Évian: 65th in 2021, 31st in 2022, and 16th last year. Hopefully, this positive trend continues. One thing is certain: she has the character and talent for it!

Playing alongside Kyriacou today was Ayaka Furue, our halfway leader. Impressive with both her long game and putting in the first two rounds, the world number 21 slightly slowed her pace after shooting two consecutive rounds of 65 (-6). She extended her bogey-free streak to 46 holes before minor errors on the 11th and 13th holes bookended a birdie on the 12th, resulting in a final score of 70 (-1) for Moving Day.

Meanwhile, 31-year-old American Lauren Coughlin has also joined the final group of the Major. Playing on the LPGA since 2018, she had a strong start this week, finishing Thursday at -5, just two strokes behind the first-round leaders. Her last three holes in the second round this morning likely set her up well for Moving Day. A 70 (-1) left her poised for a strong comeback, which she achieved with a magnificent second-round score of 65 (-6), featuring four birdies and two eagles (on the 9th and 18th). She now faces a Major Sunday under the spotlight.

Ally Ewing Shines, Tavatanakit and Boutier Struggle

After two rounds of 70 (-1), experienced American Ally Ewing stepped up her game this afternoon, finishing her third round with a bogey-free 64 (-7), the best score of the day. Having competed in every Amundi Evian Championship since 2016, her best finish here was 13th in her second appearance. Starting in 5th place for the final round on Sunday, she has the chance to beat her personal record. One of the most consistent players on the tour – ranked 10th in scoring average on the LPGA Tour – she has recently secured two consecutive top-5 finishes in Majors, placing 3rd at the US Open and 5th at the PGA Championship. Can she make it three in a row?

Patty Tavatanakit, known for her smile on courses around the globe, had little reason to smile after a double bogey on the 1st and a bogey on the 3rd, quickly distancing herself from the lead she was just two strokes away from at the start of Moving Day. However, a birdie on the 4th followed by another on the 9th put her back on track. The 28th-ranked Thai player finished her moving day with a 72 (+1), still within reasonable distance of leader Stephanie Kyriacou to hope for a victory tomorrow.

Greeted by an impressive crowd on the 1st tee, Frenchwoman Céline Boutier also struggled at the start of her third round with a triple bogey, following an errant drive to the right and a series of small mistakes. From there, she had to rally, which she did. With three birdies and two bogeys over the next 17 holes, she managed to finish with a 73 (+2). While disappointing – especially for her – this score at least reduces some pressure for tomorrow. The French public will be there to support her!

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