THE AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

July 9, 2025

Ayaka Furue

Evian Resort Golf Club

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Welcome to the 2025 Amundi Evian Championship. On stage I am joined by defending champion Ayaka Furue in the middle, Amundi Evian Championship president, Franck Riboud, Amundi Evian vice president Jacques Bungert. Joining us shortly will be the communications director with Amundi, Natasha Andermahr.

Ayaka, what do you remember most about winning this event last year?

AYAKA FURUE: I tried to remember last five holes on the last day, but especially the last -- the very last hole, like the 18th, I made an eagle. That's one of the most memorable moments I have right now.

Q. What's it like to be back here this year, seeing your name and face everywhere, thanks to Franck and Jacques? What has this been like for you this year?

AYAKA FURUE: I'm so happy that I can see all my faces and names everywhere in the city. I actually was waiting for that. I mean, I was really waiting for seeing all the names and faces in the city, so that was pretty fun.

Q. What do you like most about this course and how do you think it suits your game?

AYAKA FURUE: It is obviously not easy course here, and you need to hit on the fairway and then hit on the green of course.

So, yeah, just want to keep my playing golf on the fairway and green and then that will be helpful for me.

JACQUES BUNGERT: Quick question. Yesterday we had this very emotional moment when you returned the trophy to the tournament in front of the players and the guests. I could see you are really moved. How do you feel about that moment yesterday?

AYAKA FURUE: I wasn't paying attention to return it. Honestly I was just paying attention to my speech. I was so nervous make the speech in front of everyone. So, yeah, sorry for that.

Q. Ayaka, obviously with this win you joined a very short list of Japanese major champions. What did that mean to call yourself a major champion on the LPGA Tour?

AYAKA FURUE: I wasn't expecting to be a major champion. I have never thought of that, but I am so happy that when I tee off I was introduced by the staff that I am a major champion and I won on Tour. It's really fresh for me. It's really, yeah, happy for that.

Q. So Ayaka, you're part of a new group of very strong Japanese players. More and more Japanese players playing well on the LPGA. I wonder if that's a source of motivation for you and how do you support each other?

AYAKA FURUE: Yeah, I can be beated by any good young Japanese players. Yeah, it's one of my motivation, that a lot of Japanese players coming on the Tour.