Jennifer Kupcho closed with a birdie and an eagle to grab a share of the lead after a six-under 65 in Thursday’s opening round of the Evian Championship.
Kupcho, who won her first LPGA Tour title since 2022 last month, eagled the par-five 18th after a birdie at the 17th to join a five-way tie at the top. It’s her first top-10 finish at a major since capturing the Chevron Championship three years ago.
“I think it’s just made me relax a little bit — just to not have to worry about anything,” said Kupcho of her recent win in New Jersey.
“I can play whatever events I want. Other than that it hasn’t changed a whole lot. I’m still not playing my best, so I’m just kind of sticking with it, knowing I can still win even if I may not be at my best.”
Kupcho shares the lead with fellow American Andrea Lee, Australians Grace Kim and Gabriela Ruffels, and Ireland’s Leona Maguire — all carding matching 65s.
Maguire, chasing her maiden Major title, had the highlight of the day with a hole-in-one at the par-three 2nd, her 11th hole of the round.
“Looked good in the air. You’re never sure on that hole until the ball actually lands,” said the Solheim Cup star. “Sort of a perfect morning for it. Not much wind, which is nice, especially on that tee box.”
World No 1 Nelly Korda sits two shots back after an opening 67 that included six birdies and two bogeys. The American is eyeing her third major title and first since the 2024 Chevron.
“A couple of parts of my game helped me and rescued me, and the other parts let me down,” she said. “That’s golf. Just going to try and figure it out on the range.”
Australia’s Minjee Lee is alone in sixth after posting a five-under 66, surging with four birdies over her final seven holes. The world No 6 is among the favourites this week in France after clinching her third major title at the Women’s PGA Championship last month.
Lee, the 2021 Evian champion, is looking for a second title at the resort town — though she has failed to post a top-10 finish in any of her nine other appearances.
“I feel like as the years go by this becomes a bit of a blur, but all the memories and vibes come back once I’m here,” she said.
South Africa’s Alexander Casandra is tied for seventh after a four-under 67 that included five birdies and a lone bogey at the par-four 17th.
Paula Reto was two strokes back, while Ashleigh Buhai struggled to a 78.
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Photo: David Berding/Getty Images
Article Link: Kupcho in tie for Evian lead, Saffa tied for seventh