The Amundi Evian Championship: 19 Years from the Start to Grand Slam

The 2026 Amundi Evian Championship is underway at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France. The event has attracted notable players such as Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul. On the Chinese side, Yin Ruoning, Liu Yan, Wang Xinying, Liu Yu, Zhang Weiwei, and Liu Yiyi are competing.

The Evian Championship was founded in 1994 and is held in the town of Évian-les-Bains in southeastern France. Originally called the Evian Masters, it was elevated by the LPGA to become the fifth major championship in 2013, when it was renamed. The Evian Championship is the only LPGA women's golf event held on continental Europe. With its picturesque setting and relaxed South of France ambiance, the tournament exudes a unique aesthetic appeal that attracts golf fans worldwide.

Jacques Bungert, Tournament Director of the Evian Championship, proudly noted: "In tennis, cricket, golf, and across all sports, the Evian Championship is one of the fastest to rise from a regular event to major status."

The Evian Championship was initiated by Antoine Riboud, founder of parent company Danone, and his son Franck Riboud. Franck Riboud revealed in an interview that to obtain the license to use the "Evian" brand, the group signed a century-long contract with the city, obligating it to invigorate the city and surrounding area by organizing various events. Since Antoine was a golf enthusiast, they decided to try hosting a tournament.

Above: Danone founder Antoine Riboud and his son Franck Riboud

Above: A 2022 photo of Franck Riboud, the second-generation leader of Danone

In 1992, Antoine and Franck first tried hosting a men's Pro-Am golf event, but it received a lukewarm response. In 1993, they switched to a women's Pro-Am, which garnered enthusiastic support from French and European professional players. The resort's director at the time, Valérie Pamard, played a key role in this shift, and Antoine saw an opportunity.

Valérie Pamard (below) was one of France's top female golfers in the late 1980s. After retiring in the early 1990s, she was recruited by Danone. Although she was only 23 at the time, Antoine boldly entrusted her with deep involvement and leadership in the preparation and management of the Evian Resort Golf Club and the subsequent Evian Masters.

The Evian Championship is exclusively for women, stemming from Antoine and Franck's insight into the European golf market at the time—European women's golf was strong, but many major events were held in the United States, and players longed to compete in Europe.

Currently, tournament revenue primarily comes from partners, including Rolex, which has sponsored the event since 2000; French asset management company Amundi, which became the title sponsor in 2021; Danone itself; and Porsche, among others. Other major revenue sources include television and media rights, ticket sales, and food and beverage.

Nearly half of the annual revenue is allocated to prize money, with the remainder covering other operational costs. This year, the prize fund has been increased to $9.1 million, with $1.365 million going to the champion.

Asia has played a key role in the globalization of the Evian Championship. Tournament Director Jacques Bungert attributes this to the Riboud team's Asian market strategy: "Thanks to our extensive cooperation with Asian broadcasters, the Evian Championship is even more well-known in Asia than in the English-speaking world. This is how we have solidified our position. We have successfully established a central role, bridging the United States and Asian countries. In fact, we do not see ourselves as a French event, but as an international one."

The Evian Championship attracts a large number of international visitors, media, and players each year, boosting revenue from hotels, restaurants, retail, and transportation. During the tournament, occupancy rates at the Evian Resort increase significantly, extending the tourist season and directly driving the town's income:

According to data from the Financial Times, approximately 70% of Évian-les-Bains' fiscal revenue once came from the mineral water company. However, a 2021 report from the French Court of Auditors showed that the mineral water company's contribution to the town's revenue had fallen below 50% by 2019. This data indirectly confirms the tournament's role in diversifying the town's economy.

| Sources: luxurytribune, asapsports, Le Figaro Golf, lequipe, Financial Times, French Court of Auditors

| Images: Orange Bay Sports, tournament official Instagram, lequipe