[Evian] Evian Golf Course Winning Keyword "Accurate Shots Over Long Drives"

LPGA Tour Fourth Major Battleground "Narrow Fairways, Severe Undulation, Challenging Greens," Park In-bee "Shot Accuracy Needed"

The Evian Golf Course, the battleground of the Evian Championship, is a course built in a mountainous area similar to those in Korea. Photo by Evian Golf Course official website

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "A ‘dagger iron shot’ is needed."

On the afternoon of the 22nd (Korean time), at the Evian Golf Club (par 71, 6,527 yards) in Evian-les-Bains, France, the fourth major of the LPGA Tour, the Amundi Evian Championship (total prize money $4.5 million), is underway. The winning keyword is ‘dagger iron shot.’ The ‘Golf Empress’ Inbee Park (33, KB Financial Group) is drawing even more spotlight as she challenges the ‘career super slam’ by sweeping all five different majors.

Evian closely resembles Korean golf courses. It is located on a hill overlooking Lake Geneva in the Alps. Being in a mountainous area, the fairways are narrow and the undulation severe. Above all, club selection on the slopes is crucial. The greens are also small. After renovation in 2013, the course gained clear distinguishing features. Inbee Park, the 2012 champion, emphasized, "It definitely seems more difficult," adding, "It’s a course that requires shot accuracy."

With a par 71 and 6,527 yards, the length is similar to domestic courses. Winning without long driving power is possible. Past champions including Shin Ji-ae (33) in 2010, Kim Hyo-joo (26, Lotte) in 2014, Jeon In-ji (27, KB Financial Group) in 2016, and Ko Jin-young (26) in 2019 all relied on ‘precise shots’ rather than ‘long drives.’ The mountain breaks make reading putting lines difficult. First, the ball must be dropped on an uphill lie favorable for putting.

Inbee Park analyzed, "The greens are very tricky," adding, "At first, I was deceived so much that I misread the lines." Visually, tee shots are not easy when standing on the teeing ground. Holes 6 (378 yards) and 12 (406 yards) require keeping the fairway. Falling into the rough is a crisis. Lexi Thompson (USA) explained, "On hole 6, you must avoid the bunker on the left side of the fairway," and "The green slopes steeply from left to right."

Hole 14 is a long par 3 of 226 yards. Birdies are not easy. Hole 16 is a 155-yard par 3, but caution is needed for the creek in front of the green and the bunker behind. Lydia Ko (New Zealand), the 2015 champion, described hole 16 as "a small and cute hole," adding, "It can be tough when the wind blows." Holes 3 (355 yards), 11 (353 yards), and 17 (331 yards) are considered ‘birdie holes.’ Reducing strokes is necessary to advance to the final round.

The final showdown at the 18th hole of the Amundi Evian Championship. Photo by Evian Championship Official Website

The decisive point is the final 18th hole. It was changed from a par 5 to a par 4 (441 yards) in 2013, then reverted back to a par 5 (484 yards). Distance and accuracy are required. There is a water hazard in front of the green and three bunkers lurking on both sides. Angela Stanford (USA), the 2018 champion, advised, "You must send the tee shot to the fairway to attempt a ‘2-on’," adding, "When laying up, you should target a position that makes it easier to aim for the hole."