On this Sunday, July 14, 2024, France's National Day, The Amundi Evian Championship celebrates its new winner Ayaka Furue. With a one-stroke lead (-19) over her closest competitor Stephanie Kyriacou, the 24-year-old Japanese golfer wins her first Major, having already secured an impressive 6th place at the US Open in early June. On this Pink Sunday, the 30th anniversary of the tournament, the Rising Sun flag gracefully adorns the 18th green in honor of Ayaka Furue. This marks her tenth professional victory. By coincidence, she clinched her first win at the 2022 Trust Golf Scottish Open, three strokes ahead of Céline Boutier. Following her impressive performances in 2024, the world's 21st-ranked player gives her career a whole new dimension. Now a Major winner, she is only the second from her country to join this prestigious circle, following Yuka Saso. The smile of our new titleholder and the celebration of all those who participated in this historic week—the tournament teams, the players and their staff, the volunteers, the gardeners, and the spectators—bring the historic 2024 edition to a close.

A Thrilling Finale

The suspense lasted until the end, but it was Ayaka Furue who ultimately seized the trophy of The Amundi Evian Championship 2024. After an exceptional start to the week with 46 bogey-free holes, she faced a few tougher holes without ever faltering. Often saved by her putting and frequently comfortable with her long game, she demonstrated consistency and exemplary behavior. Already leading after the second round, she had to battle relentlessly to fend off a tenacious Stephanie Kyriacou.

The talented 23-year-old Australian made life difficult for her until the end. She started this final round as the tournament leader and delivered a fabulous final 18 holes. With five birdies on her scorecard, including three on the last four holes, the bogey on the 17th might linger in her mind. Nonetheless, it was her first time in a final group of a Major, likely heralding a promising series. Notably, she was the only player to shoot under 70 throughout the week.

The last few holes did not favor Lauren Coughlin, whose missed short putts on the 16th and 17th led to two bogeys, dashing her hopes of lifting the trophy. Nonetheless, it was a very successful week for the American, who showcased her skills in honor of Angela Stanford's career end. Following her four top-15 finishes in 2024, the world's 56th-ranked player can be proud of her impressive performance this week.

A Strong Finish for the Favorites, Tavatanakit Shines

World No. 1 and No. 2 players Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu drew inspiration from the bright blue sky over Évian today to regain their form. Paired in group 6 with fellow American Ryan O’Toole, both turned in a score of 68 (-3). With a total score of -5, the two Americans share 26th place with other great champions like Brooke Henderson and Jin-Young Ko.

It was a calm day for our 2023 winner, France’s top player Céline Boutier. True to her week's efforts and her characteristic resilience, she persevered to conclude her Alpine stay as best as possible. Symbolic of her tenacity, she finished her final round with a magnificent eagle on the 18th, ending with an even-par score and a total of -3 for the 72 holes. Rose Zhang and Lydia Ko also had overall performances of three under par.

This Sunday also allowed the French public to witness the second 63 (-8) of the week, achieved by Thai player Patty Tavatanakit. An imperial final round for the smiling 2020 LPGA Tour rookie, who delighted in ending her week with an eagle on the last hole, having already scored six birdies. At -17 total, she nearly forced a playoff, holding the clubhouse lead until Furue matched her a few minutes later.

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