Among the most prestigious tournaments in women’s professional golf, the Evian Championship stands out not only for its scenic setting but also for its elevated status as a major championship. Held annually at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Évian-les-Bains, France, this tournament overlooks the serene Lake Geneva and is played at an elevation of approximately 480 metres (1,575 feet) above sea level.
Initially launched in 1994 on the Ladies European Tour (LET) as the Evian Masters, the tournament steadily grew in reputation. It became co-sanctioned by the LPGA Tour in 2000, bringing increased international attention and a larger purse. In 2013, the Evian Championship earned the coveted status of LPGA Major, making it the fifth and final major of the women’s golf calendar.
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Over the years, the tournament has shifted dates from June to July, then to September, and eventually returned to a July slot from 2019 onward. This repositioning was in response to scheduling conflicts and weather conditions. Backed by sponsors like Amundi, the event has seen its prize pool rise dramatically, with the 2022 purse hitting $6.5 million, and the winner taking home a hefty $1 million.
How did the Evian Championship evolve over the years?
The Evian Championship began modestly in 1994, but over three decades, it has evolved into a globally recognised major. A few key milestones include:
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1994: Launched as the Evian Masters on LET.
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2000: Co-sanctioned by the LPGA Tour.
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2011: Announced upgrade to LPGA Major status, effective from 2013.
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2013: Officially became the fifth LPGA Major; rescheduled to September.
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2017: Due to poor weather, reduced to 54 holes
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2019: Returned to a July date to avoid weather issues.
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2021: Renamed to The Amundi Evian Championship after new sponsorship.
These shifts reflect the tournament's adaptability and commitment to maintaining high standards for players and audiences alike.
What is the venue for the Evian Championship?
The tournament is played at the Evian Resort Golf Club, a spectacular course nestled in Évian-les-Bains, France. The location provides not only breathtaking views of Lake Geneva but also offers a challenging yet elegant terrain for elite golfers. The course's elevation and layout require technical finesse, making victories here both hard-earned and prestigious.
Who are the past champions of the Evian Championship (till 2025)?
Here is the complete list of winners from the time it became a major in 2013 through to 2025:
Edition | Year | Country | Champion | Total Score |
20th | 2013 | Norway | Suzann Pettersen | 203 |
21st | 2014 | South Korea | Kim Hyo-joo | 273 |
22nd | 2015 | New Zealand | Lydia Ko | 268 |
23rd | 2016 | South Korea | Chun In-gee | 263 |
24th | 2017 | Sweden | Anna Nordqvist | 204 |
25th | 2018 | United States | Angela Stanford | 272 |
26th | 2019 | South Korea | Ko Jin-young | 269 |
– | 2020 | – | Canceled due to COVID-19 | – |
27th | 2021 | Australia | Minjee Lee | 266 |
28th | 2022 | Canada | Brooke Henderson | 267 |
29th | 2023 | France | Céline Boutier | 270 |
30th | 2024 | Japan | Ayaka Furue | 265 |
31st | 2025 | To be announced | – | – |
Note: The 2025 winner will be confirmed following the conclusion of the tournament later this year.
Why is the Evian Championship important for women's golf?
As the fifth major on the LPGA calendar, the Evian Championship plays a vital role in defining the careers of female golfers. Victories here not only bring prestige but also significantly impact world rankings and sponsorship opportunities. The course challenges players with its alpine setting, demanding strategic shot-making, and mental resilience.
Furthermore, its global representation with winners from Norway, South Korea, New Zealand, Japan, and more underscores the international appeal and inclusivity of the tournament.
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What lies ahead for the Evian Championship?
With strong backing from Amundi through 2026 and continued integration into the LPGA and LET schedules, the future of the Evian Championship looks bright. Its reputation as a scenic, challenging, and career-defining event ensures it will remain a cornerstone of women’s professional golf for years to come.
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