Grace Kim’s dramatic victory at the Amundi Evian Championship has sent waves through the golfing world—and now, a familiar name in the sport has offered high praise. Hank Haney, former coach to Tiger Woods, has spoken out about Kim’s decisive shot that helped seal her first major title.
The 23-year-old Australian pulled off a pressure-packed approach on the 72nd hole at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France. Trailing by one shot, Kim stuck a towering iron to within four feet of the pin, setting up a birdie that forced a playoff. She went on to clinch the title in extra holes.
Haney, known for coaching Woods through six major wins, called Kim’s final regulation shot “the kind of clutch moment that defines careers.”
“That approach under pressure, with everything on the line, reminded me of the type of nerves Tiger used to display,” Haney said in a radio interview. “The rhythm, the tempo, and the shot selection—everything about it was textbook. It’s the shot of the tournament and maybe the shot of her career so far.”
Kim’s calm demeanor and composed swing in a high-stakes moment has earned her comparisons to some of the greats. Haney emphasized that while it’s too early to predict where her career will go, this moment proves she has the mental toughness to thrive under pressure.
“Grace has the kind of mindset you want to see in a major winner,” Haney added. “She trusted her swing, didn’t overthink it, and executed beautifully.”
The victory marks a major milestone for Kim, who has quickly risen through the ranks since turning professional. Her win at Evian makes her the first Australian woman to win a major since Karrie Webb.
As the LPGA season rolls on, all eyes will be on Kim to see how she builds on this success. But for now, her moment of brilliance—and Haney’s glowing endorsement—has solidified her status as one of golf’s rising stars.
