Defending champ Kim crashes out of Evian Championship in horror outing

Defending champion Grace Kim has crashed out of the Evian Championship at the halfway mark, failing to make the cut in the penultimate major of the year. The Australian golfer was joined by several of her compatriots, including three-time major winner Minjee Lee and Gabriela Ruffels, who also missed the weekend action.

The biggest surprise of the day was the exit of World No. 1 Nelly Korda, whose quest for a third consecutive major title and fifth overall came to an abrupt end. Korda's performance at the Evian Resort has historically been challenging, and despite improving her second-round score, she finished one shot outside the cut line.

Kim, who had an astonishing playoff victory in the 2025 edition, could not replicate her past success. She recorded a one-over par 72 in her second round, leaving her at three over par for the championship, three shots above the level-par cut. Other Australian golfers who missed the cut include Hannah Green, Kelsey Bennett, and Robyn Choi.

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I hit a lot of fairways and greens, which is definitely the key around here. If you get in trouble off the tee, it can be pretty difficult.

Meanwhile, rising English star Lottie Woad has taken the lead after an impressive seven-under 64 in her second round. She holds a one-stroke advantage over Japan's Akie Iwai, who was the overnight leader. Woad's round featured eight birdies and a single bogey, highlighting her strong performance on the course.

Despite the high-profile exits, there was some good news for Australian golf as Karis Davidson and Cassie Porter managed to scrape into the cut at one under par, though they are 10 shots behind the current leader Woad.

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The driver is clicking, I've been very good off the tee. If you do that you can have a lot of wedges and chances.