In a stunning display of golfing prowess, South Korea's Haeran Ryu has captured her second consecutive major title, winning the Amundi Evian Championship in a dramatic playoff against Canada's Brooke Henderson. The victory, which came just two weeks after her first major win at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, cements Ryu's status as one of the most dominant forces in women's golf.

Historic 60 Sets the Stage

Ryu's path to victory was paved with history. During the third round, she carded a jaw-dropping 12-under-par 60, the lowest score ever recorded in a major championship—men's or women's. The round, which included 11 birdies and an eagle, left Ryu herself in disbelief. 'It feels like I was in an unreal dream,' she told BBC Sport. The 60 broke the previous major record of 61, held by several players including Annika Sörenstam and Sei Young Kim.

The round was nearly a 59. Ryu missed a birdie putt on the 18th hole that would have made history, but she was unfazed. 'I didn't even know I was close to 59 until after the round,' she admitted. 'I was just focused on making birdies.'

Playoff Drama Unfolds

After taking a three-shot lead into the final round, Ryu faced a fierce challenge from Henderson, who shot a final-round 65 to force a playoff. The two returned to the 18th hole, where Ryu's composed par was enough to secure victory after Henderson missed a crucial putt. 'I knew Brooke would come at me hard,' Ryu said. 'I just tried to stay calm and play my game.'

The win marks Ryu's second major in three weeks, a feat accomplished by only a handful of players in LPGA history. According to Sky Sports, she joins elite company including Sörenstam and Lorena Ochoa as players who have won back-to-back majors in the same season.

International Perspectives

South Korean media celebrated Ryu's achievement as a national triumph. Yonhap News Agency highlighted her 'unwavering focus' and noted that she is the first Korean player to win consecutive majors since Pak Se-ri. Meanwhile, Canadian outlets praised Henderson's resilience, framing the playoff as a 'thrilling duel' between two of the game's brightest stars.

French media, including France 24, marveled at the 'spectacular golf' on display at the Evian Resort Golf Club, noting that the tournament has become a staple on the LPGA calendar. The event's sponsor, Amundi, also received praise for elevating the championship's profile.

Analysis and Implications

Ryu's victory raises questions about her place in the history of the sport. Golfweek noted that her '60 is the lowest round in major history, regardless of gender,' while The Guardian called her performance 'one of the greatest in LPGA history.' Some pundits have already begun comparing her to Sörenstam and Ochoa, though Ryu remains humble. 'I'm just happy to win,' she said. 'I don't think about records.'

With two majors in hand, Ryu is now a strong contender for LPGA Player of the Year. Her next challenge will be the AIG Women's Open in August, where she will seek to become the first player since Babe Zaharias to win three majors in a single season.

What's Next?

As the golf world catches its breath, attention turns to the next major on the calendar. For Ryu, the focus will be on maintaining her form. 'I'll take a few days off, then get back to work,' she said. 'There's still a lot of golf to play.'

For Henderson, the loss is a bitter pill, but one she will learn from. 'I gave it everything,' she said. 'Haeran was just too good today. I'll be back.'

The Evian Championship will be remembered for Ryu's historic 60 and her playoff poise. As the LPGA enters its summer stretch, one thing is clear: Haeran Ryu has arrived, and she's not going anywhere.