Grace Kim achieved an extraordinary comeback at the Evian Championship on July 30, 2023, securing her first major title and joining an elite group of Australian women golfers. The 24-year-old athlete, who started the final round three shots behind the leader, rallied with an impressive finish that included a birdie on the final hole, forcing a playoff against Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul.
Kim’s late-game heroics were nothing short of dramatic. After sinking a birdie on the 15th and 16th holes, followed by a par on the 17th, she made a remarkable eagle on the 18th to tie for the lead. The playoff, however, took an unexpected turn when Kim hit her second shot into a pond near the 18th green. Despite this setback, she executed a remarkable chip-in from her drop zone, allowing her to extend the playoff to a second hole.
Historic Victory and Overcoming Challenges
On the second playoff hole, Kim demonstrated her resilience by making a stunning 20-foot eagle putt, sealing her victory and marking her place in history as just the fifth Australian woman to win a golf major. “Obviously, it’s a huge achievement for me,” Kim said, according to Reuters. “I’ve had a lot of doubts early this year. I was kind of losing motivation.”
This victory comes after a challenging season for Kim, who has battled through a cold during the tournament and faced struggles on the LPGA Tour since her previous win at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii in 2023. With only one top-10 finish in her last 11 tournaments, she even slipped to world No. 100 earlier this year. Now, with this victory, she has solidified her status and significantly improved her ranking.
Kim’s triumph was celebrated by fellow Australian golfer Minjee Lee, who watched from the sidelines as Kim made her winning putt, quickly joining her in celebration by spraying champagne. The significance of this win is heightened by Kim’s connection to Australian golfing legends, including Karrie Webb, Jan Stephenson, and Hannah Green, all of whom are part of the exclusive group of major winners.
Acknowledging the Journey
Reflecting on her journey, Kim mentioned the inspiration she draws from seeing a picture of Karrie Webb walking down the 18th hole in the locker room. “Seeing that each day is motivating,” she noted. Kim also acknowledged the importance of this championship, saying, “Obviously, Minjee’s first major was this one and this is now mine as well.”
As Grace Kim celebrates her remarkable achievement, she embodies the spirit of determination and resilience, making her mark on the world of golf and inspiring future generations of athletes.
