Charley Hull mounted a strong late charge during her opening round at the Amundi Evian Championship on Thursday, closing with an eagle on the par-five 18th to move within three strokes of first-round leader Aki Iwai. The 24-year-old Japanese player delivered a bogey-free 8-under-par 63, highlighted by eight birdies, to seize the top position on the leaderboard.

Hull, 30, who began the day with two early bogeys, recovered to reach even par by the turn before unleashing a remarkable birdie spree on the back nine. She finished with a one-under 70, positioning herself as a serious contender early in the event.

“This course owes me,” Hull said, reflecting on her past challenges at Evian-les-Bains. She recalled a significant health scare last year when she collapsed and was stretchered off at the 4th hole, as well as struggles with illness and injury in previous years, which had affected her performances.

Meanwhile, world number one Nelly Korda faced difficulties throughout her round, shooting a three-over 74 and sitting 11 strokes behind Iwai. The American will need a strong second round to ensure she makes the cut in the prestigious major.

The Amundi Evian Championship continues through the weekend at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France, attracting many of the world’s top female golfers as they compete for one of the season’s major titles.