Aki Iwai Leads and Nelly Korda Struggles in First Round at Evian Women's Major
Nelly Korda is the pre-tournament favorite, and Grace Kim will defend her title in a field chasing a $9.1 million purse.
- On Thursday, the Evian Championship commenced at Evian Resort Golf Club in Évian-les-Bains, France, with competitors vying for a $9.1 million prize pool in the fourth women's major of the season.
- The Evian Championship has grown into a marquee event since becoming a co-sanctioned Ladies European Tour and LPGA major in 2013, establishing itself as a cornerstone competition for women's professional golf.
- Aki Iwai of Japan shot an 8-under 63 with eight birdies and no dropped shots to claim a two-stroke lead, while Perrine Delacour carded a 6-under 65 in second place.
- Haeran Ryu and a group of four others finished at 5-under 66, positioning themselves just three shots behind Iwai as the field bunched tightly after the opening round.
- Top-Ranked Nelly Korda struggled with a 3-over 74, while 2023 champion Celine Boutier carded a 5-over 76, leaving both major contenders facing significant ground to make up in the remaining rounds.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Idaho Press
Aki Iwai leads and Nelly Korda struggles in first round at Evian women's major
Aki Iwai shoots an 8-under 63 to lead after the first round of the fourth women’s major of the season, the Evian Championship. Top-ranked Nelly Korda struggled 11 shots back on 3-over 74. The 24th-ranked Iwai had eight birdies and…
Evian Championship 2026 Tee Times, Dates, TV Schedule, LPGA Prize Money
2026 has been a fantastic year for golf overall, and that most certainly includes the LPGA. Believe it or not, the women's tour is already set to hold its fourth major of the season, the Evian Championship.
The fourth major women's golf tournament of the year, the Evian Championship, in France, kicked off on July 9th, featuring three Thai golfers, including "Pro May" Ariya Jutanugarn.
Evian Championship: Lottie Woad makes strong start to major as world No 1 Nelly Korda struggles on opening day in France
Aki Iwai set the pace with an opening-round 63 in France; Lottie Woad four back as she chases a maiden major title, with world No 1 Nelly Korda stuttering to a three-over 74; watch the Amundi Evian Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports
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