Evian Championship preview
The favourites
Ariya Jutanugarn – has been made the pre-event favourite and it’s hard to disagree with that. The Thai may have relinquished her No.1 status, but few in the sport can touch her when she’s at her brilliant best. Ninth is her best effort in three attempts.
Brooke Henderson – Won her national open a few weeks ago and she openly admits that she prefers these tight, tree-lined courses where she can use her excellent long, accurate driving ability to her advantage. Ninth in 2016 is her best finish.
Minjee Lee – Former world No.1 amateur who’s found an incredible level of consistency recently. One of the very best from tee-to-green and surely holds a chance if she can make her fair share of putts, but that could be tricky on these difficult greens.
Sung Hyun Park – The world No.1 already has a major win to her name this year along with two other regular LPGA wins. Not a strong front-runner, but can be deadly when within striking distance on Sundays. Runner-up here two years ago.
Lydia Ko – Former winner at Evian who has finished outside of the top-eight on just one occasion in five attempts. She’s had big problems with the driver, being both short and wayward, but her superb approach play, scrambling and putting often bails her out. Won for the first time on the LPGA in two years earlier this season, and holds a big chance if she can stay out of the trees.
Jin Young Ko – Arrow-straight rookie who has two LPGA wins to her name. This short track should suit her game perfectly, and if she can sort out her putter problems, she has every chance of claiming her first major.
Shanshan Feng – Short, accurate hitter who boasts a superb record here at the Evian Resort. It’s been a poor year by her usual consistent standards, and she will likely need a big improvement to win here.
Georgia Hall – Swashbuckling 22-year-old who won her first major at the British Open last month. Top-10 here last year on debut suggests she’s comfortable with the course, and as a result surely holds an excellent chance of making British golf history.
Lexi Thompson – One of the longest hitters in the game and tough to beat when she’s on top form. She’s struggled to keep the driver in-play recently and is always inauspicious with the putter, especially from short-range. Runner-up in 2015, but difficult to make a case for her given how vital it is to keep the ball on the fairway.
The Verdict
Jin Young Ko (22/1) and Georgia Hall (25/1) are the preferred choices from the headliners.
However, Inbee Park (28/1) isn’t quite finished winning majors just yet at 30-years-old and is a former winner at the Evian Resort.
Recent Cambia Portland Classic winner Marina Alex (55/1) is one of the most accurate players in the game and has an excellent chance of notching her best major finish, while former U.S. Amateur champion Jennifer Song (125/1) is in good form and finished eighth last year.
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