The Amundi Evian Championship is a women's major golf tournament that has been held annually since 1994, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Personally, I think it's fascinating that the event has evolved from a relatively obscure tournament to a highly anticipated major, and I'm excited to explore the history, current state, and future implications of this event. The tournament is hosted at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, a par-71 course that boasts stunning views of Lake Geneva. In my opinion, the Evian Championship is a beautiful setting for a major, and I can't wait to see the players compete in such a picturesque location. The prize money for the tournament has increased significantly over the years, with a total purse of $9.1 million in 2026, and the winner taking home $1.365 million. This is a substantial increase from previous years, and it's great to see the event rewarding its top performers financially. The tournament is co-sanctioned by both the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour, which adds to its prestige and global appeal. The Amundi Evian Championship has a rich history, with several notable players winning the event over the years. Helen Alfredsson holds the record for the most victories, with three wins in 1994, 1998, and 2008. Other past winners include Annika Sörenstam, who won in 2000, and Sky Sports' Dame Laura Davies, who claimed back-to-back victories in 1995 and 1996. The first Amundi Evian Championship was held in 1994, and it was recognized as a major in 2013. This makes it the first tournament in continental Europe to be elevated to women's major status, and it has since become a highly anticipated event on the LPGA Tour calendar. The tournament is also significant in the context of the Solheim Cup, as it is one of the events that players can earn qualification points for. This year's tournament will be the penultimate major before the Solheim Cup, and it will be interesting to see how the players perform in the lead-up to the team event. One of the most exciting aspects of the Amundi Evian Championship is the opportunity for players to complete a career Grand Slam. While there are five major championships in the women's game, players who have won four majors are recognized as having achieved a career Grand Slam. Nelly Korda is one player who is on the cusp of completing a career Grand Slam, having already won three different major titles. She has two chances to complete the career Grand Slam at the Evian Championship and the AIG Women's Open later this month. Korda's pursuit of a career Grand Slam is an intriguing storyline to follow, and I'm curious to see if she can achieve this remarkable feat. In conclusion, the Amundi Evian Championship is a highly anticipated women's major golf tournament that has evolved significantly over the years. With a rich history, a prestigious setting, and the opportunity for players to complete a career Grand Slam, the event is sure to be a highlight on the LPGA Tour calendar. I'm excited to watch the tournament unfold and see which players will rise to the top in this beautiful setting.
