Grace Kim achieved an extraordinary comeback at the Evian Championship on July 30, 2023, securing her first major title and becoming only the fifth Australian woman to do so. The 24-year-old golfer was three strokes behind the leader with just four holes remaining in the final round. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, she closed her round with a sequence of birdies, a par, and an eagle, ultimately tying with Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul at the top of the leaderboard, which led to a playoff.
Unlikely Turn of Events
Kim’s path to victory appeared uncertain during the first playoff hole when her second shot landed in the pond near the 18th green. Faced with a challenging situation, she executed a remarkable chip-in from her drop zone, extending the playoff to a second hole. There, Kim sealed her victory with a stunning 20-foot eagle putt, completing one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent golf history.
Reflecting on her triumph, Kim expressed her disbelief and pride, stating, “Obviously, it’s a huge achievement for me. I’ve had a lot of doubts early this year. I was kind of losing motivation.” She noted the importance of having candid discussions with her team, which helped reignite her focus. “So to be sitting here next to this trophy is definitely surreal,” she added.
A Journey of Resilience
Throughout the tournament, Kim battled a cold and had struggled on the LPGA Tour since her victory at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii in 2023, her rookie season. Before this championship, she had managed only one top-10 finish in her last eleven appearances and had slipped to world No. 100 earlier in the year, according to Reuters.
With this win, Kim joins an elite group of Australian women in golf, including major winners such as Minjee Lee, who watched from the sidelines as Kim made her winning putt. Lee celebrated the moment by spraying Kim with champagne, marking a significant milestone in Kim’s career. Other notable members of this exclusive club include seven-time major champion Karrie Webb and three-time winners Jan Stephenson and Hannah Green.
“I saw there is a picture of Karrie as you walk into the locker room, walking down 18 as well, so seeing that each day is motivating,” Kim remarked, highlighting the inspiration she draws from her predecessors. She also noted the significance of winning the same major as Lee, stating, “Obviously, Minjee’s first major was this one and this is now mine as well.”
Grace Kim’s victory at the Evian Championship not only signifies a personal achievement but also cements her place in the history of Australian women’s golf, showcasing the potential for future success and inspiring a new generation of golfers.
