The Evian Championship witnessed a historic moment as Haeran Ryu etched her name in golf's record books. Her remarkable 60-stroke performance on Saturday was not just a personal best but also the lowest round ever recorded in a major championship, male or female. This achievement propelled her into a commanding three-shot lead heading into the final round, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
Ryu's stellar performance began with a scorching start, carding two birdies in the first five holes. The momentum continued with an eagle at the sixth, followed by further birdies on the seventh and ninth, resulting in a breathtaking 29 strokes for the front nine. This equaled the best nine-hole score ever recorded at Evian Resort Golf Club, showcasing Ryu's exceptional skill and precision.
In contrast, England's Lottie Woad, who started the day with a one-shot lead, encountered a frustrating third round. Woad's performance took a turn for the worse, with a disappointing day that saw her shoot one over par. Her compatriot, Charley Hull, also struggled, failing to break par during the round. Woad's errant drive on the 10th hole and a mistake on the 14th further contributed to her disappointing performance.
The South Korean sensation, Ryu, continued her dominant display on the back nine, picking up five more birdies. She narrowly missed achieving the second round of 59 in LPGA history, falling just inches short of an eagle. This remarkable performance solidified her position as the hot favorite heading into Sunday's final round.
The tournament also featured a strong showing from Canadian Brooke Henderson, who had an up-and-down day with six birdies, two eagles, and three bogeys. She finished in a tie for third alongside Japan's Mao Saigo, who demonstrated composure on the greens. Casandra Alexander, another notable contender, notched nine birdies with only one bogey on the 17th, finishing with a 63 and sitting a shot further back at 11-under par.
Ryu's historic achievement, however, stole the spotlight. Her 60-stroke performance was a testament to her exceptional talent and determination. Despite her remarkable feat, Ryu remained unaware of her major historical achievement until her caddie informed her on the 18th green. Her reaction, one of pure shock and happiness, showcased the raw emotion that such a historic moment can evoke.
As the tournament progresses towards its climax, all eyes are on Ryu, who now holds the coveted position of being the hot favorite. The pursuit of a career Grand Slam by world No. 1 Nelly Korda has taken an unexpected turn, as she missed the cut for the first time since June 2024. The stage is set for a thrilling final round, with Ryu's historic performance serving as a reminder of the extraordinary heights that golf can reach.
