Ayaka Furue wins Evian Championship with eagle on 18

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Ayaka Furue made a late charge to win the Evian Championship with an eagle on the last hole to clinch her first major title Sunday.

The 24-year-old Japanese golfer held her nerve with another clinical putt, having made three birdies in the previous four holes to finish at 19 under overall.

Furue placed 1 stroke ahead of Australian Stephanie Kyriacou, the overnight leader, and two ahead of Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, who shot a superb 8-under 63 in the final round to move into contention for her second major.

Heading to the 18th hole, Furue and Kyriacou were level at 17 under with Tavatanakit, who was already in the clubhouse.

Furue teed off well and found the fairway, while Kyriacou’s shot swerved left into the rough.

Furue found the green with her second shot, giving her a championship opportunity, and moments later, she was doused with Champagne. Her previous best performance at a major was fourth at Evian in 2021.

The 23-year-old Kyriacou, who birdied the 18th, also secured her best result. Her previous best was a tie for seventh at the Women’s British Open two years ago.

Tavatanakit won a major at the ANA Inspiration in 2021.