Haeran Ryu Wins 2nd Major in 3 Weeks at Evian Championship

Haeran Ryu is living what she calls an "unreal dream," and the golf world is watching in awe.

The 25-year-old South Korean golfer clinched her second straight major championship Sunday at the Amundi Evian Championship in France, defeating Canada's Brooke Henderson with a birdie on the first playoff hole. For Ryu, who won her first major just three weeks ago, the victory caps an extraordinary summer that's rewriting her career story.

The finish was nothing short of breathtaking. With the stunning backdrop of Evian-les-Bains, France, three golfers found themselves tied at 18 under heading into the final holes, setting up a potential three-way playoff.

Henderson briefly stumbled with a bogey on the 17th hole but roared back with an eagle on 18 to reach 19 under. Ryu matched that mark with steady play, though she admitted her putting struggled most of the day.

"Today shots pretty good, but my putting is too bad today," Ryu said afterward. "And then I just thinking like, 'Oh, God, please go in the hole, please.'"

Japan's Aki Iwai narrowly missed joining the playoff after carding pars on the final three holes. The 24-year-old took the heartbreak in stride, seeing it as valuable preparation for the season's final major.

The playoff saw Henderson miss the fairway off the tee while Ryu positioned herself perfectly for a potential eagle. Henderson couldn't recreate the chip-in magic she'd displayed throughout the week, settling for par and leaving the door open for Ryu to seal the victory with a two-putt birdie.

The win came one day after Ryu shot a historic 60 on Saturday, the lowest score ever recorded in a major championship. That remarkable round set the stage for her Sunday victory, even as her putter refused to cooperate.

Why This Inspires

Ryu's journey shows what happens when talent meets opportunity and perseverance. Since joining the LPGA Tour in 2023, she's accumulated five wins and nearly $10 million in career earnings. Her $1.4 million payout from Evian alone demonstrates how women's golf continues growing its platform and rewards.

Even more inspiring is how she's handling success with humility and grace. Her honest admission about struggling with her putting and needing to pray over every shot makes her triumph feel even more human and relatable.

Henderson, a two-time major champion herself, was gracious in defeat. "Wish I had played a little bit better, but Haeran has been playing great," she said.

With Ryu and Nelly Korda splitting this season's four majors (Korda won the first two, Ryu the last two), women's golf has found its headliners for 2026, and the final major at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in England promises to be electric.