The Amundi Evian Championship: where scenery inspires the swing

From generation to generation, golfing heroes continue to pave the way for aspiring players to move the sport forward. A welcome constant for the Rolex Testimonees is The Amundi Evian Championship, one of the most picturesque and prestigious events on the calendar situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Whether it be Annika Sörenstam, Lydia Ko or Jeeno Thitikul striding up the fairways, the breathtaking scenery at Evian Resort Golf Club, France, has proven a sight to behold for the world’s best players.

Photos: ©Rolex / Chris Turvey Text: Rolex

“I would say that the Evian Resort Golf Club is my favourite course,” Thitikul says. “The setting is amazing with beautiful
views. It is also really challenging due to the hilly terrain which makes it fun to play and a real test of your ability. I love playing there.”
Thitikul is bidding to go one step further at The Amundi Evian Championship this summer, from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 July, after finishing a close second last year. The 23-year-old from Thailand has excelled on the tour ever since she became the
youngest player ever to win a professional tournament at the age of 14. In the quest for her first major title, Thitikul has taken inspiration from fellow Rolex Testimonee Lydia Ko. She shares a close bond with Ko, often describing her as an older sister
and a role model, and has basked in the insight gained from the 28-year-old New Zealander. Having joined the Rolex family in 2014, Ko made history at The Amundi Evian Championship the following year when she became the youngest major
winner at the age of 18.

Thitikul praises her friend’s inspiring nature: “The player that I always look up to is Lydia Ko. The things that I like about her are obviously inside the course, but outside the golf course she seems happy all the time as well. She has a really great personality. Everything that I saw, every interview, everything she has done for the tour, it matters more than what she just achieved on the course.”

Reinforcing its commitment to the world of golf, Rolex became the Official Timepiece and a Major Partner of The Amundi Evian Championship in 2000. The event was promoted to become the fifth women’s major in 2013 and has evolved into one of the
greatest spectacles in the sport, where the quality of the action on the course and the magnificent surrounding landscape in the foothills of the French Alps make for a captivating four days. Competitors must tackle the demanding changes in elevation
between the immaculate tees, fairways and greens of the Champions Course.

Reflecting on Rolex’s support of the game’s leading players, events and organizations, Ko says: “I am incredibly proud to be associated with Rolex as it’s a brand that truly believes in the talent of players which makes the world of difference
to us. Through its support of more than 50 years, Rolex has become so synonymous with golf, playing a key role in the development of the game and continuing to elevate it for future generations.”

The 32nd edition of The Amundi Evian Championship promises to be another enthralling showcase for women’s golf. A strong field will also include Rolex Testimonees Anna Nordqvist and Brooke Henderson, both of whom are former champions having triumphed in 2017 and 2022, respectively, as well as Ruoning Yin. The reward for the perseverance and precision needed for them to master this stunning course could not be more fitting. The winner’s trophy features a stylish female figure, symbolizing the elegance, strength and grace of the sport with its dynamic, sweeping motion reflecting the movement of a golf swing and the
flowing scenery of Evian Resort Golf Club.