Canada's golf star Brooke Henderson has been edged out in a thrilling playoff at the Evian Championship, falling by one stroke to South Korea's Haeran Ryu. The dramatic conclusion saw Henderson force extra holes with a remarkable eagle on the 18th, a moment that followed a sensational hole-in-one on the eighth during her final round.
Ryu, who had set a new LPGA major record with a 60 in the third round, birdied the first playoff hole to secure her second consecutive major championship title. Henderson, a two-time major champion and the 2022 Evian champion, showcased her trademark resilience by staging a significant charge in the final round. Despite trailing by four shots heading into Sunday, Henderson’s exceptional play, including three eagles in her final round, brought her level with Ryu and Japanese golfer Aki Iwai.
The playoff on the 18th hole saw Ryu find the fairway and then the green in two shots, ultimately making birdie. Henderson, who drove into the rough on the playoff hole, had to lay up and could not convert her chip for eagle, resulting in a par and the second-place finish. Ryu's victory marks a significant achievement, being her second major win in just three weeks.
While Henderson expressed disappointment, she acknowledged Ryu's strong play. "Obviously very exciting to get into the playoff," Henderson remarked. "Wish I had played a little bit better, but Haeran has been playing great. Congrats to her." The result underscores Henderson's consistent high-level performance on the global golf circuit, reinforcing her status as one of Canada's most accomplished athletes. The LPGA Tour season continues, with Henderson sure to remain a top contender in upcoming events.
