Haeran Ryu delivered a historic performance at the Evian Championship on Saturday, shooting an 11-under 60 to record the lowest round in LPGA major history. The 25-year-old South Korean golfer now holds a three-stroke lead heading into the final round of the tournament in Évian-les-Bains, France.
Ryu’s remarkable round came just two weeks after she won her first major title at the Women’s PGA Championship. On the 18th hole, she narrowly missed a 30-foot eagle putt that would have made her only the second player in LPGA history to shoot a 59. Instead, she settled for a birdie and finished with a 60, breaking the previous major record by one stroke.
«After the putt, I counted my score with my caddie,» Ryu said. «Oh my God, it’s 11-under par today. It was so amazing. My caddie says, ‘Yep.’ I’m so happy right now.»
The previous record for the lowest round in an LPGA major was 61, achieved by Leona Maguire and Jeungeun Lee6 in 2021 and by Hyo Joo Kim in 2014, all at the Evian Championship. The tournament was designated as an LPGA major in 2013. For context, the lowest round in a men’s major is 62, shared by Branden Grace, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Shane Lowry across various championships.
Ryu’s round included 11 birdies and no bogeys, showcasing exceptional accuracy and putting. She hit 15 of 18 greens in regulation and needed only 24 putts. The performance has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest rounds in golf history, though Ryu remained focused on the task ahead.
«That is amazing, amazing dream,» Ryu said when asked about the possibility of winning a second major in three weeks. «So, I just want that one to come true, but we have one more day.»
The Evian Championship, held annually at the Evian Resort Golf Club, is one of five major championships on the LPGA Tour. Ryu’s third-round score has electrified the tournament and set up a compelling final round. She will enter Sunday with a three-shot advantage over the rest of the field, seeking to become the first player since Inbee Park in 2013 to win consecutive majors.
Ryu, who turned professional in 2017, has quickly risen through the ranks of women’s golf. Her victory at the Women’s PGA Championship earlier this month marked her first major win and her second LPGA Tour title. With her latest feat, she has cemented her status as one of the most formidable players on the tour.
The lowest round in LPGA history overall remains a 59, achieved by Annika Sörenstam in 2001 and by Kim Hyo-joo in 2014, though Kim’s came in a non-major event. Ryu’s 60 is now the benchmark for major championships, a record that may stand for years given the difficulty of the courses and the pressure of major tournaments.
Fans and analysts alike have praised Ryu’s composure and skill. Her ability to maintain focus after a near-eagle on the final hole reflects the mental toughness that has defined her recent performances. The final round on Sunday will determine whether she can convert her historic round into a second major title.