England's Charley Hull cards a five-under 66 to sit in a share of third after day one at the Evian Championship.
New Delhi, India Jul 9, 2026 ALN: Leaderboard: -8 A Iwai (Jpn); -6 P Delacour (Fra); -5 C Hull (Eng), M Stark (Swe), R Haeran (Kor), I Jin Hee (Kor); -4 C Gainer (Eng), L Woad (Eng), J Yan (US), R Yin (Chn), B Henderson (Can), E Hara (Jpn), M Kang (Kor)
Selected others: E L Maguire (Ire); +2 L Walsh (Ire); +3 N Korda (US); +5 M Rhodes (Eng)
Charley Hull laughed off suggestions her caddie's ice cream helped fire her to third place after day one of the Evian Championship in southern France.
The 30-year-old Hull, a prominent figure in women's , was spotted holding the sweet treat on the 15th hole before closing with two birdies and an eagle to end her day at five under par, three shots behind Aki Iwai of Japan's lead. The Evian Championship is one of the five major championships in women's professional and is held annually in the picturesque town of Évian-les-Bains, known for its stunning lake views and challenging course.
"I didn't eat it," Hull said, clarifying the situation. "My boyfriend got it for my caddie, so I held it for a minute when he was putting my club in the bag!" This light-hearted moment amidst the competitive atmosphere of a major championship underscores Hull's ability to maintain a sense of humor and perspective, even under pressure.
In sweltering conditions, Hull was two over par after six holes but recovered to find five birdies over her next 11 holes before picking up two shots at the par-five 18th. Her score of 66 is her joint-lowest first round in a major, showcasing her skill and resilience on the course. The ability to bounce back after a rocky start is often what separates successful ers from their peers, and Hull's performance exemplifies this trait.
At the top of the pack, Iwai went bogey-free in her fine round of eight under par and is two clear of Perrine Delacour from France. Iwai's strong start positions her well for the remainder of the tournament, as maintaining momentum is crucial in a multi-day event. Hull shares third place with three other players, while compatriots Lottie Woad and Cara Gainer are a further shot back at four under. The leaderboard reflects the competitive nature of the tournament, with multiple players in contention for the title.
World number one Nelly Korda, who won the first two majors of the 2026 season, has work to do on Friday after shooting a three-over 74 to languish in a share of 102nd place. Korda's unexpected struggles highlight the unpredictable nature of , where even the most accomplished players can face challenges. Her performance will be closely monitored, as fans and analysts alike wonder if she can rally in the following rounds.
Last year at the Evian Championship, Hull was forced to withdraw after collapsing twice during her first round. The incident raised concerns about her health and well-being, as she later explained she had been "battling a virus" and was treated at the Evian-les-Bains course without requiring a hospital trip. This prior experience adds a layer of significance to her current performance, as it demonstrates her determination to overcome adversity.
This year, her opening day was much more successful, albeit after a slow start. In temperatures pushing 30C, Hull said she enjoyed being in the heat, even if she avoided indulging in the ice cream. "I like the heat on my back because I have a few injuries," she said. "The warmer it is, the more I am able to move." This statement reflects the physical challenges that professional ers often face, including managing injuries and adapting to varying weather conditions.
"I just drink loads of water on every hole and have loads of electrolytes. I eat every other hole – but I didn't eat the ice cream," she added, emphasizing her commitment to hydration and nutrition as key components of her performance strategy. Professional ers often have to balance their physical needs with the demands of the game, making nutrition and hydration essential factors in their success.
Still searching for her first major title, Hull has finished second in three out of the five tournaments on the LPGA circuit, including at last month's US Open. This statistic highlights her consistent performance at a high level, even if she has yet to secure a championship victory. In total, she has five runners-up finishes at the biggest events since her maiden appearance in 2012, demonstrating her longevity and competitiveness in the . Her previous first-round best of 66 was also at the Evian Championship in 2022, when she finished in a tie for third, indicating her familiarity with the course and her ability to perform well under pressure.
Korda has won four times already this year, including two majors, and once again was clear favourite to pick up her first Evian Championship. However, the opening round did not unfold as planned. Starting with a double bogey, the American was four over through five holes and, despite picking up two birdies around the turn, she closed with a bogey to sit 11 shots off the lead after day one. This stark contrast to her usual performance raises questions about her mental and physical state heading into the second round.
The four-time champion has only finished outside the top 10 once in 10 events this season – a remarkable statistic that underscores her dominance in the . However, she may need something special tomorrow just to make the cut, which will be the top 65 and ties. The pressure is now on Korda to recover her game and regain her form as the tournament progresses.
As for England's Woad, last season's Evian Championship was her last event as an amateur, and she almost won, finishing one shot behind eventual champion Grace Kim and Jeeno Thitikul at 13 under par. Her transition to professional has been closely watched, and an opening 66 puts her back in contention here. She flashed her talent in carding five birdies and an eagle alongside three bogeys on the front nine, indicating her potential to make a significant impact in the tournament.
"I played pretty solid," Woad said. "It's nice coming somewhere you're more familiar with as this year so far every course has been new." Familiarity with the course can often provide players with a competitive edge, as they are better able to navigate its challenges and nuances.
It was a smoother round for Gainer, who shared the 54-hole lead in 2025 before finishing with a three-over 74 to finish in a tie for 14th. Her experience in high-pressure situations may serve her well as she continues in this tournament. She had a clean card and found four birdies in shooting 67, positioning herself well for the next rounds. Gainer's performance is a reminder of the depth of talent in women's , as several players are capable of rising to the occasion and challenging for the title.
As the Evian Championship progresses, the dynamics of the leaderboard may shift dramatically. The combination of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude will play crucial roles in determining who ultimately claims the championship. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching the next rounds to see how the players adapt and respond to the challenges ahead.
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