The Evian Championship, one of the five women’s majors, is to move back to a July date in 2019 as part of a new ‘European Swing’ on the Ladies European Tour.
The tournament, which is held at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France, was first staged in 1994 and became an official major in 2013, will be played from July 25-28 next year.
Last year’s renewal, which was held in mid-September, had to be reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather, prompting LPGA commissioner Mike Whan to admit that it had been a mistake to move the major to an autumn date.
Changes to the schedule of the four men’s majors in 2019, which will now be held in consecutive months – April, May, June, July – means that the Evian will be the final major of the professional season.
Next year’s Evian Championship will boast a record $4.1 million prize fund – second only to the US Open in terms of value – while this year’s renewal, which marks the 25th staging of the event, will enjoy a $200,000 increased purse over 2017.
“This schedule change will hopefully build momentum into the women’s summer season, coming at a time when most of the world’s best women players will be in Europe,” said Franck Riboud, chairman of The Evian Championship. “The new date will also allow players and fans alike to experience the beautiful resort in all its summer glory, and take advantage of the longer summer days.”
LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan added: “Since the tournament’s inception, Evian has pushed the boundaries for building an event that is simply like no other. Very few global brands commit to women as their most important sports relationship, and are willing to consistently push the boundaries in areas like purse levels. We’re lucky to have Evian, and their out-of-the-box thinking, as a true partner that is creating something truly historical for the world of women’s golf.”