The Evian Championship continues this week in France, presenting a key opportunity for Nelly Korda to maintain her status atop the women’s golf world and potentially end America’s extended dry spell in major titles. Korda’s hold on the world No. 1 ranking faces pressure from rising contender Jeeno Thitikul, who is coming off a strong performance at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship last month.

Examining America’s Struggle in Women’s Majors

While American men have recently dominated their majors—with nine of the last ten winners being from the United States—the women’s side tells a different story. The last American to win a major was Nelly Korda herself, who captured the Chevron Championship title last April. Since then, the last seven majors have been won by international players including Minjee Lee, Maja Stark, Mao Saigo, Lydia Ko, Ayaka Furue, Amy Yang, and Yuka Saso, all from outside the U.S.

Despite her two major titles, Korda has yet to secure a win in 2025, as other Americans—Angel Yin, Jennifer Kupcho, and Yealimi Noh—have posted LPGA victories this season. Her consistent top-30 finishes in every event over the past year demonstrate her steady form even as the pressure mounts.

Charley Hull Aims to Capture First Major

England’s Charley Hull enters the Evian Championship hoping to claim her first major title. Having finished tied for 12th in both the US Women’s Open and the recent KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Hull has established herself as a frequent contender in big events. She was a runner-up twice in 2023 and has maintained top-25 finishes in seven of the last nine majors. However, her recent record at Evian has been mixed, with two missed cuts in previous appearances.

Hull’s fourth-place finish at last week’s KPMG Women’s Irish Open signals improved form, and she looks to become the first Englishwoman to lift a major since Georgia Hall in 2018. Meanwhile, the amateur Lottie Woad, who secured her first Ladies European Tour victory at the Irish Open, adds fresh excitement ahead of the Championship.

British Competitors and Emerging Talent

Lottie Woad received a sponsor’s exemption to compete this week after an impressive six-shot victory in Ireland. At 21 years old, Woad is nearing LPGA Tour membership, needing just a top-25 finish at Evian to earn the final points required under the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP), which awards tour access based on amateur achievements.

Other English players in the field include Bronte Law, Alice Hewson, Cara Gainer, and Mimi Rhodes, a three-time winner on the Ladies European Tour this season. Adding further British representation are Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh and Ireland’s Leona Maguire. Wales’ Darcey Harry, who claimed her first Ladies European Tour title last month at the Hulencourt Women’s Open, will also be competing.

Historical Significance and Past Champions at Evian

The Evian Championship began in 1994 as part of the Ladies European Tour and became co-sanctioned by the LPGA Tour in 2000. It gained major status in 2013. Notable past winners include Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist, who triumphed in 2017 after a playoff, and France’s Celine Boutier, who earned a commanding six-shot victory on home soil last year.

The tournament also marks a milestone anniversary of Lydia Ko’s record as the youngest major winner ever, achieved at Evian in 2013 at just 18 years old. Defending champion Ayaka Furue returns this year after a dramatic win in 2023, where she secured victory with three straight birdies followed by an eagle on the final hole to edge out Australia’s Stephanie Kyriacou.

Minjee Lee, the 2021 champion, is aiming to defend major titles after her recent win at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Ruoning Yin has also shown strong major form, placing in the top four in two of the first three majors this season.

Evian Championship Broadcast Schedule on Sky Sports

Sky Sports will provide comprehensive live coverage of the Evian Championship, the fourth women’s major of 2025. Fans can expect six hours of televised action for each round, along with daily highlights.

Coverage starts at 11 a.m. on Thursday and Friday and shifts to 9 a.m. over the weekend. Evening highlight programs air from 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, with final day highlights beginning at 8 p.m.

• Thursday – 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports+
• Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports+
• Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Mix
• Sunday – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Mix

Additional Golf Events Featured on Sky Sports This Week

In addition to the Evian Championship, Sky Sports is also broadcasting two other major golf tournaments. The Genesis Scottish Open and ISCO Championship are co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, offering exciting competition ahead of The Open at Royal Portrush.

Scotland’s field includes prominent players such as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, with three final qualification places for The Open available. Coverage from Scotland begins Thursday with featured groups on Sky Sports Golf starting at 8:30 a.m., followed by full broadcast from 1 p.m. The ISCO Championship coverage starts the same day at 9:30 p.m.

What Lies Ahead for Nelly Korda and the Women’s Game

Nelly Korda arrives at the Evian Championship with the weight of ending a notable American drought in women’s majors, seeking her first win of 2025 as well as to maintain her world No. 1 ranking. The presence of strong contenders like Jeeno Thitikul, Minjee Lee, and Ayaka Furue means this year’s Evian could significantly impact the dynamics at the top of women’s golf.

For British players, much rides on Lottie Woad’s transition to professional status and Charley Hull’s quest to finally secure a maiden major. The competition remains tightly balanced, promising an intense battle on the scenic French course as the women’s major season advances.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why did Nelly Korda have surgery?

A. Korda doesn’t have many weaknesses, but she has faced health challenges. In 2022, she had surgery for a blood clot in her left arm’s subclavian vein. In 2023, back pain caused her to skip several tournaments.

Q. Is Nelly Korda rich?

A. Sportico.com recently listed the top-earning women in sports globally, placing Korda at number 8, with estimated earnings of $14.4 million. This amount includes $4.4 million from her wins on the course, while the remainder came from sponsorships.

Q. Did Nelly Korda have surgery?

A. Korda generally plays well, but she’s had some health problems. In 2022, she had surgery to remove a blood clot in a vein in her left arm.