Former Tennis Stars Ruffels and Gainer Lead Amundi Evian Championship
A remarkable story is unfolding at the Amundi Evian Championship, where two athletes who once excelled on the tennis court – Gabriela Ruffels and Cara Gainer – find themselves in contention for a major golf title. The pair are tied for the lead at 11 under par on the shores of Lake Geneva, setting the stage for a dramatic final round.
From Tennis Burnout to Golf Contenders
Both Ruffels and Gainer experienced burnout during their professional tennis careers, leading them to seek a new challenge on the golf course. This unconventional path has brought them to the forefront of the LPGA Tour, demonstrating the transferable skills and mental fortitude honed through years of competitive tennis.
Ruffels, the 25-year-old Australian daughter of professional tennis players, is yet to secure a victory on the LPGA. Gainer, representing England, achieved her first professional win on the LET earlier in 2025. Interestingly, both athletes picked up golf at the age of 14, the same age Jeeno Thitikul became the youngest winner on the LET.
A Twist of Fate for Gainer
Gainer, 29, reflected on her journey, stating, “I mean, tennis was, I guess, my first love.” She initially pursued a different career path while attending Cardiff University, even interviewing for a position with IMG outside of professional athletics. “It kind of took a turn, and I actually never got that job,” she shared, adding with a laugh, “which I laugh about now because things could have really taken a bit of a different role.” Gainer turned professional in golf in 2020 at the age of 24, after previously dreaming of a Grand Slam title in tennis.
Ruffels’ Athletic Roots and Recent Focus
Ruffels’ background is steeped in athletic excellence. She was a top-three tennis player in her age group in Australia, a national champion for players 12 and under, and a member of the national squad. Her childhood idols included Kim Clijsters and Roger Federer. Demonstrating her continued connection to tennis, Ruffels recently attended Wimbledon as a spectator. She began playing 18-hole rounds of golf with her father’s clubs a decade ago, and later won the 2019 U.S. Women’s Amateur title. Gainer also has a significant amateur victory under her belt, winning the 2017 English Women’s Open Match Play Championship.
Outliers in a Specialized Field
Ruffels and Gainer represent a unique profile in professional golf, a sport typically dominated by athletes who have dedicated their lives to the game. “I guess I just kind of knew in the back of my mind I had the ability,” Gainer acknowledged, “It’s just I was very far behind in experience compared to a lot of the players that had been through college and all that. I felt when I came on Tour to begin with, I was really behind in terms of tournament experience.”
Indeed, Gainer’s emergence as a contender is occurring at an age when many established LPGA players are considering retirement. A win on Sunday would immediately earn Gainer an LPGA card. While this is her first appearance at the Evian Championship, she previously finished tied for third at the LET’s Jabra Ladies Open at Evian Golf Resort earlier this year.
Experience and Caddie Support for Ruffels
Ruffels is benefiting from the guidance of Travis Wilson, a seasoned caddie with extensive experience looping for Stacy Lewis. This partnership is expected to provide a significant boost to her performance.
Lee and Thitikul Lurking Close Behind
The two favorites entering Sunday’s final round are Minjee Lee and Thitikul, both trailing by just one stroke at 10 under par. They are joined by LPGA winners Grace Kim and Somi Lee. Lee, the 2021 Evian champion, recently secured her third major title at the KPMG Women’s PGA, while Thitikul is determined to finally claim her first major championship.
Lee expressed a renewed sense of determination, stating, “I’m usually always pretty relaxed, but I definitely feel like I have a different mentality and maybe a little bit different fire in me after KPMG.”
Two players – Yuri Yoshida (63) and Casandra Alexander (69) – are two shots off the lead in a share of ninth place. LPGA statistics reveal that over the past 10 seasons, 80 percent of major winners have been within two shots of the lead entering the final round, suggesting that the championship remains wide open.
