England’s Charley Hull produced a sensational closing stretch to capture the PIF Saudi Ladies International by a single shot and secure her fifth Ladies European Tour title.

The 29 year old world number five fired a superb seven under par 65, picking up six shots across her final eight holes. A remarkable eagle at the par five 12th, followed by a birdie at the last, proved decisive as she set the clubhouse target at 19 under.

Hull was forced to endure an anxious wait alongside South Africa’s Casandra Alexander, who briefly shared the lead. However, a costly three putt bogey at the 17th left Alexander needing a birdie at the final hole to force a play off. Her effort slid by, handing Hull a dramatic victory.

Late fireworks prove decisive

Starting the day three shots adrift, Hull made the turn in two under before momentum briefly stalled with a dropped shot at the 10th. What followed was a burst of world class golf.

A stunning 60 foot eagle putt at the 12th ignited her charge and she added further birdies at the 15th and 18th to pile the pressure on the chasing pack.

Japan’s Akie Iwai, who had threatened with a hot putter, fell back after a three putt bogey at the 17th. Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and South Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi shared fourth on 17 under, while Alexander and Iwai finished tied for second.

Strong start to the new season

Victory at Riyadh Golf Club earns Hull a winner’s cheque of 750000 dollars and marks a perfect start to her 2026 campaign. It also returns her to the winner’s circle at a venue where she previously tasted LET success in 2024.

Speaking after being informed of her triumph on the practice green, Hull said: “Hooray, at least I can pay my house off now. I have worked really hard this off season so it is nice to get a result straight away. It is one of the bigger events on the LET and it feels a bit like a home event for me.”

England’s Mimi Rhodes, who opened with a sparkling 64 to lead after round one, closed with a 67 to finish tied for sixth on 16 under. The 24 year old will also take confidence from a performance that strengthens her early bid for a place in September’s Solheim Cup.

Source link

As the new season begins in unexpected cold, Charley Hull talks mindset, momentum and why enjoying the challenge still brings out her best golf

Charley Hull does not need much convincing to enjoy Lake Nona. As she arrives back at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, her first reaction is simple and instinctive. “Yeah, it’s great,” she says. “I really like this golf course. It’s super nice.”

What she did not expect was the temperature. “It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” she laughs, already setting the tone for a week that feels both familiar and slightly surreal.

A course that suits her eye

Hull has always gravitated towards courses that demand imagination, and Lake Nona fits that mould. The fast greens and tight lies around the putting surfaces force players to be precise, especially when chipping. “There is quite tight lies all round the golf course you’re chipping on,” she explains. “It’s a bit different to what it’s been like in the UK.”

More than anything, she likes the feel of the place. “It’s a good warm up to the season, tests your game, and I just like it. It’s just got a good vibe to it.”

Finding her rhythm again

Coming into the week, Hull is refreshingly honest about where her game stands. “I wouldn’t really know to be fair,” she admits. Winter has meant plenty of indoor practice at home, with only a short trip to Dubai providing outdoor golf. “I went to Dubai for a few days and practised and played well out there.”

This week, though, is about more than results. “Obviously I want to win this week. It’s a great event,” she says. “It’s good as well for a warm up to get back into the season.”

A glimpse of what is coming

One of the biggest talking points around the game is the WTGL, and Hull’s enthusiasm is unmistakable. Seeing it in person left a lasting impression. “I watched and I was like, wow, this is pretty unbelievable,” she says. “We need one of them in the UK actually when it’s cold.”

She was struck by the detail and realism. “The way that green moved round, how the ball reacted when I chipped on it, how it putted, the screen… honestly, I was so impressed by it. They’ve done a great job.”

Having a swing studio at home means the concept is not entirely foreign, but the scale is. “You need to go there in real life to get the full gist of everything because it’s pretty unbelievable to see.” For Hull, the overriding feeling is excitement. “I think it’s going to be super fun. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Keeping it simple

As she looks ahead to the new season, Hull is not overcomplicating things. “Not too much different from last year to be fair,” she says. “Just go out there, have fun. I know what you’ve got to do to win. Not put too much pressure on myself and just enjoy it.”

That mindset was reinforced by her win at the Kroger event last year. “I went into that week with an injury, so I didn’t have too high expectations,” she recalls. The lesson stuck. “I sometimes expect too much of myself. When I’m not too focused about golf, that’s when I play my best golf.”

Easing back into competition

Despite a strong season behind her, Hull admits to nerves this week. She has played just one full round in the past six weeks due to poor weather at home. “I’ve been practising loads, working on my swing,” she says, “but it’s different when you’ve got 18 holes and a scorecard in your hand.”

Rather than viewing this as a reset, she prefers a gradual build. “It’s good to slowly build up for the season.”

Cold weather character

Hull’s relationship with cold weather is almost contradictory. Back home, she will happily head out in freezing conditions. “On New Year’s Day it was minus six and frosty and I went out and played, carried my bag,” she says. “I wasn’t that cold.”

Florida, however, has caught her out. “Yesterday morning I was absolutely froze. My feet were frozen,” she says, laughing. “Florida cold is completely different to England cold.” The solution involved a hair dryer in the locker room and some amused looks from fellow players.

She puts it down to circulation and contrast. “I was in Thailand before, it was 35 degrees. As long as I keep moving, I’ll be fine.”

Gratitude over grievance

When asked about comments suggesting men and women should be competing together in the WTGL, Hull’s response is measured. “I’m just grateful for them giving us an opportunity,” she says. “Fair play to them. I really respect that.”

She sees it as a foundation to build on. “You never know, in a couple of years’ time they could do something like that.”

Life beyond golf

Away from the course, Hull’s warmth comes through when talking about her close friend Georgia and her pregnancy. With several nephews already, Hull has taken on an advisory role. “I’m really good with babies. She’s not really good around babies,” she says, smiling, recounting conversations filled with practical tips and gentle teasing.

Managing the body

Cold weather does bring physical challenges, particularly after last season’s injuries. “My lower right back and my hip,” she says. “I’ve got to make sure I warm up properly and keep moving.” Spectators may notice her constantly shifting between shots. “You see me shuffling out there, you know why.”

Loving the test

For all the complaints about the cold, Hull thrives in tough conditions. “I love it,” she says. “I like the mental toughness of it. I like being outside.”

She enjoys courses that ask hard questions, and Lake Nona will do just that this week. “Last time I hit gap wedge into the last hole. Yesterday I hit four iron,” she says. “It’s going to be tricky out there, but I enjoy that.”

In the end, her outlook is simple and unmistakably Charley Hull. “You just put me on the golf course, I’ll enjoy it anyway,” she says. “Let’s get excited for the next shot and prove to myself I can execute it.”

Source link