In a breathtaking finale to the 2025 Evian Championship at the stunning Evian Resort Golf Club in France, Australian golfer Grace Kim secured her first LPGA major title in spectacular fashion. The 24-year-old unleashed one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent golf history, storming to victory over Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul in a dramatic playoff that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Grace Kim’s Unbelievable Comeback: A Performance for the Ages
Grace Kim entered the final round three shots off the lead, quietly positioned to challenge but perhaps not favored by many to win outright. But with steely determination and masterful shot-making down the stretch, she rewrote the script by closing with birdie, birdie, par, and an incredible eagle on the 18th hole to force a playoff against Thitikul.
The tension of the playoff could not have been higher. On the first playoff hole, Kim’s second shot found the water hazard near the 18th green, a seemingly crushing mistake. Yet, demonstrating remarkable nerve and skill, she chipped in from the drop zone to extend the playoff. On the second playoff hole, Kim sealed her major victory with a stunning 20-foot eagle putt, completing a final-round 67 and a tournament total of 14-under-par 270. The crowd erupted as the Sydney-born golfer realized she had captured the biggest title of her career.
Key Highlights from the Final Round and Playoff
- Trailed by three shots with four holes left but closed with birdie, birdie, par, eagle.
- Hit a risky shot into the water on the first playoff hole but chipped in from the drop zone.
- Sunk a clutch 20-foot eagle putt on the second playoff hole to win.
- Finished with a 67 in the final round and tied for 14-under-par overall.
- Defeated world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul in the playoff.
What This Win Means for Grace Kim and Australian Golf
This win marks Kim’s second LPGA Tour title and her first major championship, putting her in elite company among Australia’s golfing greats. She joins the likes of seven-time major winner Karrie Webb, Minjee Lee, and Hannah Green as one of the country’s major champions.
Kim herself admitted the triumph feels surreal after a year filled with ups and downs. She spoke candidly about battling doubts earlier in the season and needing tough conversations with her team to refocus her game and mindset. Now, holding the Evian Championship trophy, Kim’s performance stands as a testament to perseverance and belief.
Why This Victory Resonates Beyond the Scoreboard
A Majestic Finish Under Pressure: Grace’s clutch play in the closing holes and playoff showcased champion’s composure.
Inspiration for Young Golfers: At just 24, Kim signals a bright future for herself and motivates aspiring golfers worldwide.
Elevation of Australian Women’s Golf: Adding a second major winner in recent years strengthens Australia’s prominence on the LPGA Tour.
Overcoming Adversity: Having slipped to world No. 100 earlier this year, this victory signals a major career resurgence.
What’s Next for Grace Kim?
With this monumental victory, Grace Kim has firmly established herself as a leading contender on the LPGA Tour. Her next challenges will be to sustain this top-level performance, contend in upcoming majors, and perhaps climb further up the world rankings. Fans will be excited to see how she builds on this incredible breakthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Grace Kim win the 2025 Evian Championship?
Grace Kim rallied from three shots behind on the final day, finishing with eagle-birdie-par-eagle, then won in a playoff by sinking an eagle putt on the second extra hole against Jeeno Thitikul.
2. Who did Grace Kim beat in the playoff?
She defeated Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, who had tied with her at 14-under-par after the final round.
3. Is this Grace Kim’s first major win?
Yes, the Evian Championship marks her first LPGA major title and her second LPGA Tour victory overall.
4. What challenges did Grace Kim face this season?
Earlier in 2025, Kim struggled with motivation and form, slipping to world No. 100, but she refocused with her team to stage this remarkable comeback.
5. What does this win mean for Australian women’s golf?
Grace Kim joins a prestigious group of Australian major winners and signals a thriving future for Australian women’s golf on the world stage.
Conclusion
Grace Kim’s stunning victory at the Evian Championship is more than just a major win—it’s a story of resilience, focus, and talent shining through under immense pressure. Her electrifying finish and playoff heroics have earned her a well-deserved place among golf’s elite and have rekindled excitement for Australian women’s golf globally. As she basks in this historic moment, fans around the world eagerly await what the future holds for this rising star.
