{"id":25094,"date":"2026-07-02T07:47:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T05:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ladiesingolf.com\/?p=25094"},"modified":"2026-07-03T10:34:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T08:34:57","slug":"rolex-backs-lydia-ko-and-jeeno-thitikul-at-evian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ladiesingolf.com\/en\/rolex-backs-lydia-ko-and-jeeno-thitikul-at-evian\/","title":{"rendered":"Lydia Ko and Thitikul take on the Evian major"},"content":{"rendered":"

The world\u2019s leading female golfers will compete from 9 to 12 July at Evian Resort Golf Club in France, home to the 32nd edition of one of the five major championships in women\u2019s golf.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The quest for perfection continues at The Amundi Evian Championship<\/strong><\/a>, where the world\u2019s best players will compete from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 July for one of the most prestigious titles in women\u2019s golf.<\/p>\n

Rolex Testimonees Lydia Ko<\/strong> and Jeeno Thitikul<\/strong> will be among the leading names making an eagerly anticipated return to the spectacular Evian Resort Golf Club<\/strong> in France. The 32nd edition of the championship promises another outstanding showcase for women\u2019s golf, with the action unfolding against the magnificent backdrop of Lake Geneva.<\/p>\n

Jeeno Thitikul targets her first major title<\/h2>\n

For Jeeno Thitikul<\/a>, the tournament represents another opportunity to claim the first major championship of her career at a venue that holds a special place in her heart.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old Thai star was involved in a dramatic finish on the Champions Course 12 months ago. Thitikul eventually finished runner-up after her opponent produced an extraordinary performance on the second play-off hole.\"\"<\/p>\n

That experience has given her even greater motivation to return to a tournament she has always considered special. Rolex has been the Official Timepiece and a Major Partner of The Amundi Evian Championship since 2000.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Amundi Evian Championship has always been my favourite major. It is where I made my first cut as a 14-year-old. I would love to win it and came closest last year, as everyone knows. It is a really special place in my heart and it is great that we get the chance to go back there every year,<\/strong>\u201d Thitikul said.<\/p>\n

A career defined by records<\/h2>\n

Jeeno Thitikul quickly established herself as one of the leading figures in international golf. In 2017, she made history by becoming the youngest player to win a professional golf tournament when she claimed the Ladies European Thailand Championship at just 14 years, four months and 19 days old.<\/p>\n

Since then, the Thai golfer has spent a total of 40 weeks at No. 1 in the Rolex Women\u2019s World Golf Rankings.<\/p>\n

Her career shares striking similarities with that of Lydia Ko, who won The Amundi Evian Championship<\/strong> in 2015 to become the youngest women\u2019s major champion at the age of 18.<\/p>\n

The two Rolex Testimonees share a close relationship on tour, with Thitikul often describing Ko as an older sister and one of her greatest role models.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo see Lydia for the past decade and more is really inspiring for me. She is someone I really look up to. Many people only see the trophy and the success, but I think it is about much more than that. We put in the work because we love the sport, we want to grow the game and we want to have an impact on more people,\u201d Thitikul explained.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Thai star also highlighted the influence of Annika S\u00f6renstam<\/strong> and other Rolex Testimonees who have helped pave the way for future generations of golfers.<\/p>\n

One of the biggest events in women\u2019s golf<\/h2>\n

First played in 1994, The Amundi Evian Championship was elevated to major status in 2013, becoming the fifth major championship in women\u2019s golf.\"\"<\/p>\n

Since then, the tournament has established itself as one of the standout events on the international calendar, combining an elite field with the spectacular setting of Evian Resort Golf Club.<\/p>\n

Lydia Ko, champion at Evian in 2015, believes the tournament has a unique atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\u201cRolex has been a huge supporter of the event. It is a great week that brings a lot of people together. Being a Testimonee gives you a little extra motivation to play well in front of the Rolex family. We have a certain pride when we are representing Rolex \u2013 it is like an extra superpower when we compete there,<\/strong>\u201d Ko said.<\/p>\n

A world-class field at Evian<\/h2>\n

The 2026 edition will feature a powerful line-up of players, including several former champions.<\/p>\n

Sweden\u2019s Anna Nordqvist<\/strong>, winner in 2017, and Canada\u2019s Brooke Henderson<\/strong>, champion in 2022, will return alongside other leading names in the women\u2019s game, including Ruoning Yin<\/strong> and Rose Zhang<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

All of them will face one of the main challenges of the Champions Course: its demanding changes in elevation across immaculate tees, fairways and greens.<\/p>\n

The champion will not only lift the iconic tournament trophy but will also receive a specially engraved Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31<\/strong>, recognising a journey defined by perseverance, precision and the ability to master one of the most distinctive courses in women\u2019s golf.<\/p>\n

Rolex Testimonees who have won The Amundi Evian Championship<\/h2>\n

Several members of the Rolex family have lifted the trophy during the tournament\u2019s history:<\/p>\n