The final round of the Evian Championship promises a captivating showdown between two of golf’s brightest stars: Minjee Lee and Jeeno Thitikul. While both are vying for the coveted major title, a win would hold distinct significance for each. Lee, fresh off her KPMG Women’s PGA Championship victory, aims to solidify her place among the game’s elite, inching closer to her LPGA Hall of Fame aspirations. Thitikul, on the other hand, seeks her first major championship, a triumph that could unlock a new level of confidence and success.
As they head into the final round tied at 10-under par, the stage is set for a compelling battle. This article will delve into Lee’s quest to add another major to her impressive resume and Thitikul’s determination to break through and capture her first. We’ll explore their recent performances, mental fortitude, and the unique pressures they face as they compete for the Amundi Evian Championship title. Get ready for an exciting final round where history could be made!
Minjee Lee Aims for Back-to-Back Majors
Minjee Lee arrives at the Evian Championship with a renewed sense of confidence following her dominant performance at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. This victory validated the changes she had made to her game, including the switch to a long putter, and quelled any doubts lingering from her disappointing finish at the 2024 Women’s U.S. Open. When asked about her next goals after the KPMG win, Lee simply smiled and stated, “The Evian is what’s next.”
After three solid rounds at the Evian Resort Golf Club, Lee finds herself in contention once again, just one shot behind the leaders. Her bogey-free 66 on Saturday showcased her precision and composure, indicating that she’s ready to chase another major title. “I definitely feel like I have a different mentality and maybe a little bit different fire in me after KPMG,” Lee said. “I definitely have a little different motivation, I think, coming off that win. So, yeah, I just feel like I’m in a really good position right now and, you know, can chase tomorrow.”
Lee has tasted victory at Evian before, winning her first major in 2021 after storming back from a seven-shot deficit with a final-round 64. This experience could prove invaluable as she navigates the challenges of Sunday’s final round, where she aims to become the first player since Inbee Park in 2012 to hold four major titles.
Jeeno Thitikul Searches for First Major Win
World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul is also in the hunt for the Evian Championship title, tied with Minjee Lee at 10-under par. The 22-year-old is eager to capture her first major championship after coming close at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, where she held the 36-hole lead but was ultimately overtaken by Lee. Thitikul believes that she is now better equipped to handle the pressure of a major championship Sunday.
“I think especially majors should be tough Sunday, like in each major — you need to have a really strong mindset going to [handle] the weekend. Tomorrow I know it’s going to be a lot of people who are chasing that, so I’m trying to be that one, too, who is trying to make lots of birdies out there.”
Thitikul’s perspective on golf and life adds another layer to her pursuit of a major title. She has stated that even if she doesn’t win a major, she’ll be content because her primary goal has always been to improve her family’s life, which she has already achieved. This sense of gratitude and perspective could help her stay grounded and focused as the pressure mounts on Sunday.
The Pressure of Playing Alongside Lee
Playing alongside Minjee Lee, who recently bested her at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, will undoubtedly add to the pressure on Jeeno Thitikul. However, Thitikul appears ready to embrace the challenge. She recognizes that maintaining patience and focusing on each shot will be crucial to her success.
“I think definitely going to be a lot of thoughts going, fighting up into my mind, but I think definitely staying patient and then trying to keep it like shot by shot is the most important,” Thitikul said.
The dynamic between Lee and Thitikul promises to be a compelling storyline throughout the final round. Their contrasting experiences and motivations will create a fascinating battle as they vie for the Evian Championship title.
Evian Championship: A Course Where Chasers Can Thrive
The Evian Resort Golf Club is known as a course where players can make up ground, meaning that there will likely be several contenders vying for the lead on Sunday. This adds another layer of excitement to the final round, as anyone can come from behind to steal the show.
The course’s layout and conditions will test the players’ skill and mental fortitude, and it will be interesting to see who can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunity to claim the title.
Lee Seeking Hall of Fame Status
For Minjee Lee, a victory at the Evian Championship would not only secure her fourth major title but also bring her closer to her ultimate goal of LPGA Hall of Fame induction. She currently has 14 of the 27 points required for eligibility, and a win at Evian would significantly boost her chances.
The pursuit of Hall of Fame status adds extra motivation for Lee as she competes in the final round. She knows that every major win brings her closer to achieving her lifelong dream.
Conclusion
The final round of the Amundi Evian Championship sets the stage for a thrilling contest between Minjee Lee and Jeeno Thitikul. Both players are incredibly talented and determined, and a win would hold immense significance for their careers. Lee seeks to solidify her status as one of the game’s greats and inch closer to Hall of Fame induction, while Thitikul aims to capture her first major title and prove her ability to perform under pressure.
Golf fans around the world will be watching closely as these two superstars battle it out on the Evian Resort Golf Club. The course’s challenging layout and the pressure of a major championship Sunday promise an unforgettable final round. Regardless of who emerges victorious, the 2025 Evian Championship will be remembered as a tournament where dreams were chased, and legacies were shaped.
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