Haeran Ryu put on a historic show in France on Saturday, finishing an 11-under 60 by circling four of her final five holes at the Amundi Evian Championship.
Ryu, the winner of last month’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, was superb with her approach shots on Moving Day and paid them off on the greens.
Her eagle putt on the 18th hole came up just short. If she had carded a 59, it would have tied the lowest round in LPGA history (Annika Sorenstam, 2001 Standard Register Ping). She settled for 60, the lowest round ever in a women’s (or men’s) major championship.
“I didn’t know my score until the green today,” said Ryu, who was caught visibly surprised counting up her birdies and admitted to reporters she didn’t know her score until after completing 18 holes.
“After the putt and I counted my score with my caddie and said, ‘Oh, my God, it’s 11 under par today!’” she said. “It was so amazing... I’m so happy right now.”
Ryu, at 19 under, carries a three-shot lead over Aki Iwai heading into Sunday’s final round. Iwai, who carded an opening-round 63, kept pace with Ryu’s lead for 16 holes but couldn’t match birdie-birdie on Nos. 17 and 18.
Haeran Ryu makes a birdie on the par-5 18th to finish with a 10-under 60 for the lowest round in major championship history.
— LPGA Media (@LPGAMedia) July 11, 2026
There were three 61s recorded previously, all at The Amundi Evian Championship.
“She’s on fire,” Iwai said of playing competitor.
Iwai said Ryu provided her “good inspiration” to keep up, but that a missed cut at the Amundi Evian Championship last year was actually providing her the most motivation.
“I want revenge,” she told reporters. “I’m really optimistic about keeping it going tomorrow.”
As for Ryu, she holed out for eagle on the par-4 sixth en route to a front-nine 29.
Like Iwai, she’s feeling relaxed and comfortable about where things stand entering Sunday: Having to protect a three-shot lead, following up her historic 60 and finishing off back-to-back major wins.
“Before [I won at Hazeltine] it was so stressful, I really wanted to be a major champion and was frustrated,” Ryu explained. “After I got the win, my patience is higher and I am really enjoying golf right now.”
Lottie Woad, who entered the day as the leader, carded a 1-over 72 and sits T-6, nine back. Aside from Iwai, no one is within six shots of Ryu. Brooke Henderson and Mao Saigo are tied for third, seven back at 12 under.
