It would be nearly impossible to recreate the drama of last year’s Amundi Evian Championship. Even defending champ Grace Kim agrees. Sometimes all you can do is commemorate and remember magical moments like she created on the course.
“I saw it for the first time yesterday and it was really cool,” Kim said of a new plaque that commemorates her playoff chip-in on the 18th hole at Evian. “It makes me feel like, you know, a bit after legendary moment, so, yeah, I’m really, really grateful for that.”
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE - JULY 07: A plaque marks the point on the 18th hole where Defending champion Grace Kim of Australia played a shot on the 18th hole the prevoius year, during practice prior to The Amundi Evian Championship 2026 at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 07, 2026 in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
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In case your memory is a little foggy, let’s flashback to the end of last year’s Amundi Evian Championship. Kim eagled the final hole in regulation to force a playoff with Jeeno Thitikul. On the first playoff hole, Kim’s second shot went swimming in the water hazard. After a penalty drop, she chipped in an improbable shot across the pond for birdie and forced a second playoff hole. There she sealed her first-ever major win in a gutsy comeback that’s now been commemorated with a plaque on the 18th hole at the Evian Resort Golf Club.
“It is a very cool thing for Evian Resort to put up for it, so I’m really grateful for it,” Kim said. “Hearing those people that come to play Evian and trying it out themselves, yeah, kind of makes me feel nice about it.”
While many come to the course to attempt Kim’s unbelievable shot, the defending champ doesn’t see much of a point in trying to recreate it herself. Though, she admits she’s been asked this week to give it a go.
“I ended up not doing it, which I think that saved a lot of their time and mine as well. Maybe I’ll just leave it at that,” Kim said.
The 25-year-old is soaking in the moment and the oddities that come with being a returning major champ. From seeing her enlarged face across the course to watching others try to recreate the famous shot, Kim said it’s been surreal to be back where it all began.
“I can’t believe it’s already been a year to begin with. But to be back in a place where I have changed my life it’s super cool to be back,” Kim said.
While a lot has changed for Kim in terms of schedule flexibility and the major boost in self-confidence, the Aussie says her aim and purpose remains the same.
“Golf can really humble you quite quickly, so in the times where it does get tough, I think I do handle myself a lot better...Just making sure I reiterate the good things my team has put in me; energy and time as well,” Kim added.
Kim tees off at 6:48 a.m. ET on Thursday, alongside Ayaka Furue and Celine Boutier.
