Ayaka Furue Secures First Major Title with Win at Evian Championship
Ayaka Furue made a stunning comeback to clinch her first major title at the Evian Championship in France. The 24-year-old Japanese golfer overcame a three-stroke deficit with five holes to play, finishing with a spectacular eagle on the 18th hole to secure victory.
Furue’s final round performance was nothing short of exceptional, as she carded a 6-under-par 65 to finish at 19-under for the tournament, edging out third-round leader Stephanie Kyriacou of Australia by one shot. Furue’s remarkable finish earned her a $1.2 million paycheck and marked her second LPGA victory, following her win at the 2022 Women’s Scottish Open.
With this victory, Furue joined the elite club of Japanese women who have won a major championship, alongside Chako Huguchi, Hinako Shibuno, and Yuka Saso. Reflecting on her win, Furue expressed her awe and gratitude, describing the experience as “breathtaking” and “incredible.”
Kyriacou, who held a one-stroke lead heading into the final stretch, faltered with a costly bogey on the 17th hole, allowing Furue and Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand to catch up. Tavatanakit, who finished with a stellar 63, also had an eagle on the 18th hole but fell short of the title, settling for third place.
Despite narrowly missing out on the win, Kyriacou remained positive about her performance, highlighting the progress she made throughout the tournament. Tavatanakit echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of trusting her process and enjoying the journey.
The tournament also saw strong performances from Lauren Coughlin, who finished in fourth place, and South Korean Hae Ran Ryu, who ended two strokes behind in fifth place.
In the end, it was Furue’s exceptional play and composure under pressure that secured her victory at the Evian Championship, solidifying her status as a rising star in women’s golf. As she basked in the glory of her first major title, Furue’s win will undoubtedly be remembered as a momentous occasion in her career and a testament to her talent and determination on the course.
