On July 13, 2025, at the stunning Evian Resort Golf Club in Évian‑les‑Bains, France, Australian golfer Grace Kim, aged 24, soared to the pinnacle of her career by capturing her first major championship title at the Amundi Evian Championship. In a display of grit and brilliance, Kim emerged victorious in a dramatic playoff against Thailand’s world No. 2, Jeeno Thitikul, delivering a finish spectators will remember for years to come.
Final Day Drama & Playoff Highlights
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Over four rounds (10–13 July 2025), Kim carded a total of 270 (–14), finishing tied atop the leaderboard with Thitikul
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Trailing by three shots with four holes to play, Kim executed a birdie–birdie–par–eagle run down the stretch to force the playoff
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The playoff unfolded on the iconic 18th hole:
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Playoff Hole 1: Kim’s drive ran into the water hazard, but she chipped in for birdie, matching Thitikul’s score and extending the playoff Learn more about 49ers vs Eagles Wild Card: 23–19 Playoff Battle.
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Playoff Hole 2: With nerves of steel, Kim sank an eagle putt to seal her victory, while Thitikul was unable to match
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This feat marked Kim’s second LPGA Tour win—her first came at the 2023 LOTTE Championship in Hawaii—and her first major championship triumph. For further insights, see our guide on Seahawks Hold Off Rams 31–27 to Win NFC. For further insights, see our guide on FIA World Endurance Championship: Cadillac. You may also find our resource on Florida Gators Win 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball helpful.
Historic Significance & Australian Legacy
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Grace Kim joins the elite ranks of Australian women’s golf champions, becoming the fifth Australian to capture a major, alongside Minjee Lee, Karrie Webb, Jan Stephenson, and Hannah Green For further insights, see our guide on Rory McIlroy Enters Golf’s Immortal Circle With.
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This victory reinforces Australia’s prominent presence on the global stage, following Minjee Lee’s win at the 2025 PGA Championship in Frisco, Texas, just a few weeks earlier For further insights, see our guide on San Francisco 49ers vs. Colts Brock Purdy Throws.
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The Evian victory also propelled Kim up the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award standings, earning her 60 points and elevating her into the current top three overall. For further insights, see our guide on Conference championship weekend: Top 25 CFP.
Event Details & Broader Tour Context
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Event: 2025 Amundi Évian Championship (4th major of the LPGA season)
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Location: Évian Resort Golf Club, Évian‑les‑Bains, Haute‑Savoie, France
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Purse: US $8 million, with Kim earning a US $1.2 million winner’s share
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Course: Par 71, 6504 yards
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Tour Context: This was one of the 13 different major winners in the 2025 LPGA season, underscoring extraordinary depth and competitive diversity. Related: 49ers kick off 2024 season against Jets: a Monday.
What This Means for Stakeholders
For investors, family offices, and stakeholders in private equity and venture capital with golf portfolios, Kim’s breakthrough signals strong growth potential in global women’s sports sponsorship. Her rise taps into expanding visibility and commercial development in Australia and Asia-Pacific regions.
For entrepreneurs and legal teams navigating professional sports events, Kim’s achievement underscores the importance of robust athlete representation, global branding, and media rights aligned with breakthrough performances.
Grace Kim’s Evian success is more than a sporting milestone—it’s a global business opportunity. Her dramatic playoff win in the French Alps not only secures her place in golf history, but also opens doors for powerful partnerships in the evolving world of women’s sport. Learn more about Drake Maye Delivers as Patriots End Playoff.
Photo: © LPGA.
10 best hotels in Evian to enjoy during your Golf tour weekend! For further insights, see our guide on Golf’s Greatest Stage: The 2025 Masters.
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Hôtel Royal (Évian Resort) – Iconic 5★ palace with spa, Michelin‑starred dining, and views over Lake Geneva
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Hôtel Ermitage (Évian Resort) – Elegant 4★ family‑friendly hotel in parkland with spa & indoor/outdoor pools
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Hôtel La Verniaz (Évian Resort) – Charming 4★ nestled in woods, with chalets, pool, and a short walk to the course
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Le Manoir du Golf (Evian Resort) – Historic 8‑room golfer’s residence located right within the Academy
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Hilton Evian‑les‑Bains – Reliable 4★ lakeside chain hotel with spa, seasonal pool, fitness & business facilities
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L’Oasis – Cozy 3★ family‑run hotel with garden terrace, seasonal pool, sauna, just minutes from golf
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Hotel de France – Central 2/3★ historic hotel with garden and lake‑view rooms at great value
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Zenitude Aparthotel Évian Les Terrasses du Lac – Self‑catering residence with lake views, pool, and steps from the course
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Hotel Lavaux – Charming 3★ lakeside gem with easy access to town; great for scenic and relaxed stays
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Hotel Continental – Historic 3★ with classic style, high guest ratings, and central location by the lake.
