Is Evian the Major That Puts Players on the Map?

At just 18 years old, Lydia Ko didn’t just win the 2015 Evian Championship—she announced herself as the superstar in women's golf.

With a six-shot victory over Lexi Thompson, Ko became the youngest major champion in LPGA history, closing with a final-round 63 that was, at the time, the lowest final round ever recorded in a women’s major championship. It was the kind of performance that felt less like a breakthrough and more like the beginning of something inevitable.

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A decade later, we know exactly what came next.

Ko has gone on to become one of the most decorated players of her generation: a three-time Olympic medalist, a 23-time LPGA Tour winner, and a three-time major champion. But when she looks back on her career, Evian still holds a special place—not just because it was her first major title, but because it was the moment the golf world realized it was watching greatness unfold.

"Winning The [Amundi] Evian Championship in 2015 was very special for me," said Ko about the 10-year anniversary of her milestone win. "It was only my second year on tour, and it was the last chance where I could be the youngest major champion. In every major championship I played, everyone was asking if I was going to break the record, so when you get to the final chance, you think that it is probably not going to happen."

Lydia Ko of New Zealand holds the trophy after winning the Evian Championship Golf on September 13, 2015 in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Ko’s connection to Evian has only grown stronger over the years. She remains one of the event's most dominant performers, ranking first in nearly every major statistical category at the championship. As of 2025, she owns seven top-10 finishes, has played 58-under par in her Evian rounds, and holds the tournament records for most rounds in the 60s (23) and most rounds under par (27).

She's currently 4-under for the tournament, in a tie for 18th.

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"There's obviously a lot of history there and that tournament specifically hasn’t been a major for very long, so to be part of that new tradition and history was really exciting," Ko said. Evian was where she became a major champion. But it might be time for another young star to officially announce herself at this exact event: Lottie Woad.

Twelve months ago, the English phenom arrived at Evian as the top-ranked amateur in the world with plenty of hype—but she left with something even more valuable: a glimpse of what she could become.

Woad nearly won the championship in her major debut, finishing tied for third as the low amateur and just one shot shy of a playoff. More importantly, her performance earned her the final two LEAP points needed to become eligible for LPGA membership. She became the first player to earn LPGA status through the tour's pathway program, cementing herself as one of the most exciting young talents in the game.

Since then, Woad has wasted little time proving she belongs. She turned professional and immediately made an impact, winning her pro debut at the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open just days after Evian. Her combination of elite ball-striking, creativity, and composure has made her transition from amateur standout to professional threat, look almost effortless.

She collected her second win earlier this season, and now, she’s back at Evian—an entire year later—with a chance to add another unforgettable chapter.

Getty Images

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After 36 holes, the young Brit is leading the championship after a Friday round of 64, showing the same fearlessness that nearly carried her to the title a year ago. The course that once served as the stage for her breakout amateur performance is now becoming the backdrop for her first major championship chase as a professional.

"I've got obviously nice memories from last year here and I like the golf course, so I think that definitely helps, said Woad after her second round. "I've just got slightly better in all areas. Nothing too different. Just, yeah, a little bit better. I think just mentally been in these positions a bit more so I think I'm a little calmer under pressure."

And of course, Ko saw the potential before Woad ever stepped onto the LPGA stage, saying that she feels like Woad was "one of us" before she even turned pro. The Hall of Famer believes Woad’s extensive experience has made the transition to the professional game smoother than most. "She’s a rookie but not really," Ko explained. Woad never had a true "rookie season" once she turned pro so she's coming up on a full year of being on the LPGA this month.

Lydia Ko of New Zealand watches as Lottie Woad of England putts on the second green during the first round of the AIG Women's Open 2025 at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club on July 31, 2025 in Bridgend, Wales. (Photo by Oisin Keniry/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

The similarities between Ko and Woad are impossible to ignore: both young stars, both elite amateurs, both players who seemed destined for professional success long before they officially arrived. And if history is any indication, this is exactly the kind of place where careers become legends.

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This page was first published on July 11, 2025. Last updated July 10, 2026.