The Amundi Evian Championship, one of the newest majors on the LPGA Tour, is set to commence this week at the Evian Resort Golf Club. Lydia Ko, a prominent figure in women’s golf and a past champion of the event, has voiced strong support for the tournament amid criticism and boycotts from some of her fellow LPGA players. Ko highlighted the tournament’s evolution since her first top-10 finish, emphasizing its increasing prestige and improved player experience.
Ko first competed at this venue in 2013 when Suzann won, marking the tournament’s transition into a major championship that year. As an amateur, Ko finished second in that tournament, which also became her initial top-10 major finish. Two years later, she became the youngest major winner on the LPGA Tour by claiming the Evian title, a victory that cemented her relationship with the event.
Discussing the tournament’s financial growth, Ko noted the rise in the prize purse, which has expanded from $3.25 million before it was a major to $8 million in recent years. In 2024, champion Ayaka Furue earned $1.2 million, reflecting the significant advancement in prize money and tournament stature over the years.
“But I think the structure of what it’s been and what it always is going to be is the same. But it has just, I think, elevated in so many aspects, including the prize money, but also hospitality and the experience people have here. I think it’s a trend that we’ve been seeing on our tour for many of our events, and I think this is going to be a very favorite and popular spot for many of us players.”
—Lydia Ko, Professional Golfer
The Evian Championship as Part of the European LPGA Tour Leg
The Amundi Evian Championship kicks off a promising European segment of the LPGA Tour, which also includes the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and ends with the Women’s British Open in Wales in 2025. These three events, co-sanctioned with the Ladies European Tour, are unique as the only LPGA events hosted in Europe, making them a special opportunity for players to compete on international soil.
Ko appreciates the effort to support women’s golf in Europe and recognizes the challenge of playing in this part of the world. She values the partnership between the LPGA and local organizations that strive to promote the sport across these European venues.
“We don’t get to play in this part of the world very often, so for them to kind of go above and beyond and support women’s golf and support our tour, it’s really great to be able to represent them and have partners like that between the LPGA,”
Ko said.
Lexi Thompson and Others Challenge the Tournament’s Appeal
Despite Lydia Ko’s praise, not all LPGA players share the same view of the Amundi Evian Championship. Lexi Thompson publicly criticized the event, particularly the course conditions, after missing the cut in the 2019 competition. She expressed frustration over inconsistent shot outcomes during her play, which contributed to her decision to boycott the event in subsequent years.
“To play well today, hit one bad golf shot but hit 3 iron shots right at the pin 5 ft. at one point, then end up 40+ ft.… Umm, really? I’m actually very thankful that I don’t have to put myself through that for another two days. You’re a beautiful place, Evian, but that’s just too many bad breaks with good shots for me, so bye.”
—Lexi Thompson, LPGA Player
Thompson’s earlier performances include a third-place finish in 2013 and second in 2015, but after consecutive missed cuts in 2018 and 2019, she has not returned to the event.
Stacy Lewis has also expressed dissatisfaction with the Evian Championship. She missed the tournament in 2017 and 2018 and participated once more in 2019 before withdrawing permanently. Lewis has criticized the event’s organization, particularly after rain forced a reduction in rounds during the 2017 edition.
“Not being there this year and seeing what was going on, to me, it justified why I wasn’t there, just the decisions that were made and the way they were made,”
Lewis said in reference to organizational choices.
Contrasting Perspectives Reflect Divisions Within the LPGA Tour
The differing opinions between Ko and players like Thompson and Lewis highlight ongoing divisions about the Evian Championship’s place on the LPGA Tour. While Ko applauds the tournament for its progressive enhancements and valuable European stage, critics argue that course conditions and event management remain problematic.
The tournament is a critical stop for the LPGA as it bridges American and European golf markets and helps grow women’s golf internationally. However, persuading all top players to participate continues to be a challenge. The boycott by high-profile athletes not only draws attention to player concerns but also poses questions about the event’s ability to maintain its status as a major in the long term.
As the tournament begins this week, the focus will be on whether it can regain trust among its critics while continuing to offer a competitive major that appeals to both players and fans alike. Lydia Ko’s advocacy for the Evian Championship underscores its significance in the LPGA landscape, but the existing boycotts reveal unresolved tensions that may influence the event’s future trajectory.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lydia Ko religious?
A. Ko’s faith is equally crucial in helping her stay balanced. Her strong Catholic beliefs assist her in managing pressure and seeing everything clearly. “Faith provides me with belief, peace, and comfort,” Ko explained.
Q. Is Lydia Ko’s husband a billionaire? Lydia Ko’s husband’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million from his current job, according to Sportskeeda. He is an heir to the Hyundai fortune but has yet to take an active role in the family business.
A. Is Lydia Ko’s husband extremely wealthy?
Q. Was Lydia Ko adopted?
A. She was adopted by a family in Memphis, Tennessee, who loves golf. She spent her childhood learning the game at a local Girls Golf site. Ko, originally from South Korea and raised in New Zealand, could relate closely to Hollingsworth’s experiences.