Grace Kim has produced one of the most astonishing golfing fightbacks in history to join Australia’s illustrious group of major champions.
Kim recovered from four shots behind in a most dramatic final round to clinch victory over world No.2 Jeeno Thitikul on the second playoff hole at the Evian Championship in France.
“I don’t know how it happened, really,” said the incredulous Kim after her astounding eagle-birdie-eagle finish landed her the crown in the fourth major of the year.
With three eagles in a crazy final-round 67, Kim prevailed with a 14-under-par 270 winning total to join Karrie Webb, Minjee Lee, Hannah Green and Jan Stephenson as only Australia’s fifth female major winner.
Thitikul appeared on track to herself capture her maiden major after the trio of Aussies, Kim, Lee and Gabriela Ruffels, faltered down the stretch at the Evian Resort Club on Sunday.
Ruffels had shared the lead while fellow 24-year-old Kim and triple major-winning great Lee were just one shot behind entering the final round in the beautiful French Alps, near Lake Geneva.
But after a crazy day of twists and turns, Kim found herself in a playoff with Thitikul after delivering a contender for shot of the year for a spectacular eagle on the closing par-5 18th hole.
Thitikul still had the chance to win but missed a short sliding downhill putt before Kim tapped in for eagle to force the playoff.
