Photo Credit: LPGA
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A Historic Surge in France
The third round of The Amundi Evian Championship delivered an unforgettable chapter in golf history. South Korean star Haeran Ryu crafted an absolute masterclass at the Evian Resort Golf Club. She fired an astonishing 11-under-par 60 during Moving Day at the year’s fourth major.
Remarkably, the 25-year-old athlete had no idea about the monumental records within her reach. She simply focused on executing her game plan shot by shot alongside her caddie, Martin Bozek. This calm demeanor allowed her to play completely free and aggressive golf all morning.
Chasing the Elusive 59
Ryu started her magnificent surge right away on the front nine. She collected four brilliant birdies and an exciting eagle. Consequently, she carded an exceptional front-nine score of 29. Her incredible momentum continued to build as she headed to the back nine.
She remained red-hot and fired four additional birdies on the back nine. Ryu stood at 9-under par through 17 holes. Therefore, an eagle on the par-five 18th hole would yield a historic 59.
Only legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam has ever carded a 59 in LPGA Tour history. Sorenstam achieved that legendary feat back on March 16, 2001, in Arizona. However, Ryu did not know she stood on the brink of matching that iconic record.
A Dramatic Finish on the 18th
Ryu smashed a powerful drive on the final hole. Her golf ball landed in the left rough but safely bounced into the fairway. Next, she struck a beautiful second shot onto the green.
The spectacular shot left her with a 40-foot putt for eagle. Most golf players would feel intense pressure in that massive moment. Nevertheless, Ryu stayed completely calm and went through her routine.
She confidently stroked the long putt toward the cup. The ball rolled dead on line with the center of the hole. Unfortunately, it stopped just a few revolutions short of the front edge.
Ryu tapped in for a birdie to finish her day. She finally counted the circles on her scorecard while others finished putting. At that exact moment, the reality of her historic achievement hit her.
Rewriting the Record Books
Ryu flashed a hand signal to Bozek to show she shot 11-under par. The surprised caddie had no idea they were that close to greatness. Her spectacular 60 broke the all-time major championship scoring record.
Three players previously held the major record with rounds of 61. Hyo Joo Kim, Jeongeun Lee6, and Leona Maguire all shot 61 at Evian. Ryu also recorded just the tenth round of 60 or better in LPGA history.
Lydia Ko carded the only other 60 on tour this season. Jung Yeon Lee remains the only other Korean player to shoot 60. She accomplished that feat 22 years ago in 2004.
Looking Ahead to Championship Sunday
This historic round gives Ryu a comfortable three-stroke lead over Japan’s Aki Iwai. Ryu now chases her second consecutive major championship title. Remarkably, she won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship just weeks ago on June 28.
Winning tomorrow would make her the second player to win consecutive majors this season. Nelly Korda won both The Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this year.
Ryu would also become the first Korean to win back-to-back majors since Inbee Park in 2013. Additionally, she would become the eighth Korean golfer with multiple major victories. Ryu holds a commanding advantage heading into a thrilling Sunday in France.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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