Rolex Testimonee Anna Nordqvist claims The 2017 Evian Championship

(Évian-les-Bains, France) - Rolex Testimonee Anna Nordqvist has claimed her second Major title, at The Evian Championship, France, in a playoff following a closing round of five-under par.

By achieving this momentous feat, the 30-year-old joins fellow Testimonees, Annika Sörenstam, Juli Inkster and Lydia Ko, among the prestigious list of past champions at the beautiful setting of Évian-les-Bains, overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva.

The first to congratulate Nordqvist, after sinking the winning putt on the 18th green, were fellow Swede Annika Sörenstam and Gary Player, both legends of the game and part of the Rolex family.

The fifth Evian Championship winner said: “I didn’t know Gary Player was here; I was excited to see him. Annika has been a huge role model and a huge inspiration for me and it’s great to see her this week.

Nordqvist continued: “It’s a dream come true, being from Europe too, winning The Evian Championship. I’ve worked really hard over the last couple of years – this year has been testing a little bit, but I am very proud of myself for keeping my head up and staying positive.”

Lydia Ko, who became the youngest ever Major winner when she won The Evian Championship in 2015, finished tied third in the 2017 edition, with a final round of 69.

Rolex Director of Communication & Image, Arnaud Boetsch, said: “Rolex applauds Anna Nordqvist on her incredible achievement of winning The Evian Championship. This achievement demonstrates Nordqvist’s extraordinary dedication and commitment to excellence and performance at the highest level – qualities Rolex recognizes in all its Testimonees.”

The Evian Championship concluded with So Yeon Ryu, from South Korea, becoming the fourth winner of the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award, which was established in 2014 to recognize the player who, during a current LPGA Tour season, has the most outstanding Major championship record. Ryu joins the elite company of past winners, including Rolex Testimonee Lydia Ko, who picked up the prize in 2016.

So Yeon Ryu won the ANA Inspiration in April 2017, and topped the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award points list with an additional top 10 finish in the 2017 U.S. Women's Open.

RESULTS OF THE EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2017
1. Anna Nordqvist (-9)
2. Brittany Altomare (-9)
T3. Lydia Ko (-8)
T3. Katherine Kirk (-8)
T3. Moriya Jutanugarn (-8)

ROLEX TESTIMONEE WINNERS OF THE EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
- Annika Sörenstam (2000, 2002)
- Juli Inkster (2003)
- Lydia Ko (2015)
- Anna Nordqvist (2017)

ROLEX TESTIMONEES CONTESTING THE EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2017
- Carlota Ciganda
- Brooke Henderson
- Lydia Ko
- Anna Nordqvist
- Lexi Thompson
- Juli Inkster

More information: www.rolex.com