The Evian Championship is moving on the LPGA schedule beginning in 2019, moving from a weather-plagued September date into a late July slot all involved hope will lead to better playing conditions.
The 2019 edition will be played July 25-28 at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France.
The Evian Championship became an LPGA major in 2013 and moved from late summer and a slot near the Ricoh Women's British Open on the schedule into a September spot to become the final major of five. The event has been shortened to 54 holes twice, including last year when players were sent out on Thursday morning in unplayabale and potentially unsafe conditions only to have scores wiped when common sense prevailed. All of those decisions created controversy.
In 2013, the event was shortened as well in the first year as a major. A wet summer also led to many areas of the course being marked ground under repair.
“This schedule change reflects our commitment to, time and again, give priority to sporting performance at our major and sharing a unique experience with all of our audiences,” Franck Riboud, chairman of the Evian Championship said. “There are many things at stake for the Evian Championship. Being part of the momentum of a summertime Europe swing with the top female golfers in the world in Europe. Taking advantage of the longer summer days to have greater flexibility in managing the tournament. Finally, getting the event’s summer atmosphere back.”
The purse will also continue to increase, going up to $4.1 million in 2019.
