A Historic Victory
Japan’s Ayaka Furue secured her first major championship in dramatic fashion, sinking an eagle putt on the final hole of the 2024 Amundi Evian Championship in France. Her clutch performance on Sunday saw her win by one stroke, marking a memorable and historic achievement.
The Final Hole Drama
Heading into the final hole, Furue was tied at -17 with Australian Stephanie Kyriacou and Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit. Furue’s second shot landed on the green, setting the stage for a decisive moment. With calm nerves, she rolled in the eagle putt, completing a six-under final round to finish 19-under for the tournament, one shot ahead of Kyriacou who birdied the final hole.
Celebratory Moments
The 24-year-old Japanese star celebrated triumphantly, raising her right arm as her ball found the bottom of the cup. She was promptly doused with champagne by her fellow Japanese competitors, highlighting the joy and camaraderie of the moment.
Ayaka Furue’s Final Round Performance
| Holes | Score |
|---|---|
| Final 5 Holes | -5 (3 Birdies, 1 Eagle) |
| Total Round | -6 |
Post-Round Reflections
“I just kept trusting myself,” said the world No. 21 while holding the championship trophy. “It is breathtaking.” Furue’s perseverance and skill earned her this prestigious honor, demonstrating her exceptional talent and determination.
A Historic Milestone for Japan
Furue becomes the fourth different golfer from Japan to win a women’s major championship, joining the ranks of Chako Huguchi (1977), Hinako Shibuno (2019), and Yuka Saso, who won the 2024 US Women’s Open last month. She expressed her pride, saying it was an “incredible” honor to be part of the Japanese major-winning group.
Japanese Women’s Major Champions
| Golfer | Major Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chako Huguchi | Women’s PGA Championship | 1977 |
| Hinako Shibuno | Women’s British Open | 2019 |
| Yuka Saso | US Women’s Open | 2024 |
| Ayaka Furue | Amundi Evian Championship | 2024 |
Career Highlights
This victory is Furue’s second on the LPGA Tour. She previously won the 2022 Women’s Scottish Open, showcasing her consistent performance and growth as a top-tier golfer.
Conclusion
Ayaka Furue’s dramatic eagle on the final hole of the Evian Championship will be remembered as one of the great moments in golf. Her victory not only adds a major title to her career but also cements her place in the history of Japanese golf. As Furue continues to rise, the golfing world will undoubtedly watch her future with great interest.(188jili)