Nelly Korda’s dominant season could get into full swing this week in France. If he wins the Amundi Evian Championship, it will be a career Grand Slam and he will be inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame.
The last American to accomplish both was Juli Inkster in 1999.
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“I think I’m just trying to spin it, and of course some people might think that’s a lot of pressure,” Korda said. “But I’m really proud of myself for putting myself in that position and for it to be talked about.”
Nelly Korda of the United States tees off during a practice round ahead of the Amundi Evian Championship 2026 at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 8, 2026 in Evian-les-Bains, France.
Korda, who turns 28 on July 28, has two major wins this season (Chevron, U.S. Women’s Open) and had a chance at the KPMG Women’s PGA on Sunday earlier this month. She has finished eighth or worse in nine stroke play events this season and has four wins. In his first six starts, Korda was unable to finish outside of the top two.
How dominant is her play? Korda’s scoring average is 68.51, one point ahead of close rival Heran Liu. Last year, Gino Titicle’s scoring average of 68.681 set an LPGA record, breaking the long-standing record set in 2002 by Annika Sorenstam.
Ryu will be competing in his fourth LPGA major this season, fresh off an impressive come-from-behind victory at Hazeltine, where he closed the gap by 10 strokes after the first round. One of the best ball strikers on tour, Ryu’s previous best finish in France was a solo fifth place two years ago.
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“I feel more free after winning the major, and it’s less stressful for me,” she said at a pre-competition press conference at Evian Resort Golf Club.
Other notable players include Kim Hyo-joo, who won the LPGA twice this season and is currently No. 3 in the world. Last week, Kim earned his 16th career tour victory and second of the season at the KLPGA. Kim holds the record for the lowest round in a major, a 61, set at Evian in 2014, before winning in his first major appearance.
There is a plaque on a tree near number 18.th On the green, 2025 winner Grace Kim made a birdie to extend a playoff with Gino Titicle.
A plaque marking the spot where defending champion Grace Kim of Australia took her shot on the 18th hole is placed during practice ahead of the Amundi Evian Championship 2026 at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, on July 7, 2026.
Kim saw it for the first time on Tuesday and took a photo. The wooden plaque has a QR code that leads to a video reel of Kim’s heroic shots. she would eagle 18th Hall clips Titicle, who is still waiting for his first major title.
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“I feel like what was going on in this tournament last year, or even in years to come, has made me who I am today,” said Titikul, who has won twice this season.
Titikul, currently No. 2 in the world, has four top-10 finishes in six starts at Evian.
England’s Lottie Ward missed the play-offs by one stroke at Evian as an amateur last year. Her performance earned her an LPGA card and she won two on tour last year. Ward, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, said he was happy to be back in familiar territory, having played nearly all dates at the new venue through 2026.
“It feels like probably the longest year ever,” Ward said. “When I got my card here last year, I was just trying to look back. I think I’ve grown and gotten more experience. It’s definitely helped, being in the final group more and things like that… My confidence in myself under pressure has definitely improved.”
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Like Ward, current No. 1 amateur Chiara Romero also has a chance to earn an LPGA card if she wins this week. The top 65th and tied for 132nd place teams will play over the weekend.
Romero, of the University of Oregon, currently has 19 of the 20 points needed to qualify for the LPGA. She recently made her debut at Evian by tying for sixth at the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera.
Nelly Korda tees off during a practice round ahead of the 2026 Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France.
It’s hot in France, with temperatures reaching the 90s this week on the shores of Lake Geneva. That’s okay, since Korda lives in Florida every summer. Over the years, Korda has learned the unique patience required at Evian, where not every good shot pays off.
There’s no question that Korda is a different player this year when it comes to how he deals with frustration on the golf course. She’s talked about it all season and showed incredible grit at Riviera when her tee shot and shoe were too loose.
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He has only finished in the top 10 twice in eight games for Evian, but he arrives in France better equipped than ever for this challenge.
“Every year I learn something new about this place,” Korda said.
And a little about herself.
Beth Ann Nichols is a senior writer at Golfweek, covering the LPGA and women’s golf..
This article originally appeared on Golfweek. Nelly Korda could earn career Grand Slam and Hall of Fame spot with Evian win
