Evian officials switch brutal 18th hole into risk-reward par 5

Evian Championship officials have waved a magic wand over the 18th hole this year, transforming it from a brutal finishing hole to what they hope is an exciting risk-reward hole full of dramatic possibilities.

OK, it wasn’t the work of a magic wand, but a simple switch in the designation of par was made to add some enchantment to Sunday’s finish.

Now, the experience won’t be so much the grind of watching players trying to avoid the trouble there and salvage par. It will be watching players try to make eagle there. There’s potentially more intrigue with players going for the green in two, with water and bunkers guarding that hole.

“Bogeys won't be winning,” Jessica Korda said. “You don't want…