Haeran Ryu made history at the Evian Championship on Thursday, shooting a 12-under-par 60 to set the lowest single-round score in LPGA major history. The round, which included 12 birdies and no bogeys, gave her a three-stroke lead over the field.
Record-Breaking Round
Ryu's 60 surpassed the previous LPGA major record of 61, shared by several players including Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa. The 23-year-old South Korean needed a birdie on the 18th hole to shoot 59 but settled for par after her approach shot landed 15 feet from the hole. She missed the putt but still etched her name in the record books.
“I didn't think about 59 until the 18th tee,” Ryu said. “I just tried to focus on my process. It feels amazing to have the lowest round in a major.”
Dominant Start
Ryu started her round on the back nine and made the turn in 29, with birdies on five of her first seven holes. She added six more birdies on the front nine, including four in a row from holes 3 through 6. Her putting was exceptional, requiring just 22 putts for the round.
The previous best round in an Evian Championship was 61, set by Kim Hyo-joo in 2022. Ryu's 60 also tied the lowest round in any LPGA event, matching Annika Sorenstam's 59 from 2001 and other 60s by Paula Creamer and Inbee Park.
Chasing Pack
American golfer Megan Khang is in second place after a 9-under 63, while defending champion Celine Boutier of France shot 65 to sit tied for fourth. World No. 1 Nelly Korda opened with a 68, eight shots off the lead.
Ryu, who won her first LPGA title earlier this year at the Lotte Championship, said she will try to maintain her aggressive approach for the remaining three rounds. “I know I can't win the tournament today,” she said. “I have to keep playing well.”
The Evian Championship is the fourth major of the LPGA season and is being played at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France.
