EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — England's Cara Gainer delivered a stunning third-round performance at the Evian Championship, carding a 7-under 64 to seize a share of the lead as she chases her first major title. The 28-year-old, who started the day three shots off the pace, surged up the leaderboard with a flawless round that included seven birdies and no bogeys.
Gainer, ranked 45th in the world, now sits tied at the top with South Korea's Hyo-Joo Kim at 14-under par heading into the final round. The Englishwoman’s career-best major finish was a T15 at last year’s Women’s PGA Championship, but her composed play under pressure at Evian Resort Golf Club has put her in prime position to make history. "I’ve dreamed of this moment my whole life," Gainer said after her round. "To be in contention at a major is everything I’ve worked for."
A Flawless Round Propels Gainer into Contention
Gainer’s third-round masterclass began with back-to-back birdies on the 2nd and 3rd holes, setting the tone for a day of precision and confidence. Her iron play was exceptional, leaving her with makeable birdie putts on nearly every hole. By the turn, she had already climbed into the top three, and a birdie on the par-5 15th brought her within one stroke of the lead.
The pivotal moment came at the 17th, where Gainer drained a 20-foot birdie putt to tie Kim for the lead. "That putt was massive," she admitted. "I knew I had to stay aggressive, and when it dropped, I could feel the momentum shift." A solid par on the 18th sealed her place in Sunday’s final pairing.
Kim Holds Steady as Defending Champion Lurks
Hyo-Joo Kim, the 2014 Evian Championship winner, remained composed with a 4-under 67 to maintain her position at the top. The South Korean star has been a model of consistency this week, avoiding big mistakes while capitalizing on scoring opportunities. "I’m staying patient," Kim said. "Tomorrow is about staying calm and trusting my game."
Meanwhile, defending champion Brooke Henderson of Canada lurks just two shots back after a 5-under 66. Henderson, who won last year’s event in dramatic fashion, is no stranger to Sunday pressure. "I love this course, and I know what it takes to win here," she said.
Key Takeaways from Moving Day
The third round saw several players make significant moves:
- Gainer’s 64 was the lowest round of the day.
- Kim has yet to record a bogey in her last 36 holes.
- Henderson leads the field in greens in regulation (83%).
- World No. 1 Nelly Korda sits five shots back after a 68.
Gainer’s Journey to the Spotlight
Gainer turned professional in 2017 after a standout amateur career but struggled to break through on the LPGA Tour initially. A breakthrough win at the 2022 Australian Women’s Classic on the Ladies European Tour gave her the confidence to push forward. "That win changed everything for me," she reflected. "It proved I could compete at the highest level."
Her performance this week has been built on a strong short game and mental resilience. Gainer ranks second in putting average (1.65) and has scrambled brilliantly when needed. "I’ve worked so hard on my mental approach," she said. "Staying present has been key."
What to Watch in the Final Round
Sunday’s finale promises high drama with several storylines in play:
- Can Gainer handle the pressure of a major Sunday?
- Will Kim’s experience give her the edge?
- Can Henderson mount another comeback?
- Will a dark horse like Korda or Japan’s Yuka Saso make a charge?
Gainer remains focused on the task ahead. "I’m not going to change anything," she insisted. "It’s just another round of golf, and I’m going to enjoy every moment."
The Evian Championship concludes Sunday, with the final group teeing off at 1:45 PM local time. A victory for Gainer would make her the first Englishwoman to win a women’s major since Georgia Hall at the 2018 Women’s British Open.
