Charley Hull Reflects on Memorable Weekend at Women's Open

Speaking ahead of this week's PIF London Championship at Centurion Club, England's Charley Hull was reflecting on the thrills of her runner-up finish in the AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl on Sunday.

It was the fourth second place in a major of the 29-year-old's career, with a glorious victory still elusive, but after recently recovering from a virus and tweaking her back ahead of the tournament, this might have been the most unexpected of the bunch as expectations were low for the Solheim Cup star from Kettering.

"I played really well the last two rounds last week. From Friday afternoon, I played very well. I find links golf very hard, especially when I didn’t quite come into the event as fit as I wanted to. I was ill and I hurt my back, and links golf is not my comfort zone. When you’re not comfortable and don’t feel quite pure in it, I’m more nervous for a week like that. But my coach Matt, my putting coach Nick, and I worked very hard that week to get me where I am in my game, so big credit to them."

Reflecting on some of her recent setbacks, Hull said: "When I was ill at Evian, I fainted three times, lost my balance, and then pulled my back out the week before. All these things felt like the world was against me, which was really frustrating because I had been looking forward to the British Open all year. On Wednesday night, I said to someone that I didn’t think I would make the cut and couldn’t picture it in my head. The next day we warmed up with a much shorter routine than usual, just an hour and a half before tee time instead of my usual longer warmup. So I just worked hard to get my feel back, and by Sunday, I didn’t feel like I struck a bad shot."

Following a Saturday round of 66, Hull charged into contention on the final day, but after making a brilliant birdie on the challenging 14th, she played the closing four holes in two-over, which eased the way for Miyu Yamashita to claim her first major title by two shots.

Despite that missed opportunity, Hull only has positive memories of her time in Wales and the passionate crowds who supported her.

"I really loved it. It was electric, especially at 14 on Sunday. It was so good. It’s a shame about my finish because 15 is a tricky par three. I hit a perfect shot that ended up just short on a tricky downhill putt. The next hole, the wind was strong from the left, and driver would have put me in the bunker, so I used a rescue club. I hit it on the right edge, about a yard right of the bunker. I thought the ball would move because of the wind, but I hit it too pure and it went straight into the bunker. I made bogey there. On 17, I hit a lovely shot into the green - a hole where even hitting 10 balls into the same spot results in 10 different positions. I missed the putt, but I aimed where I thought it was going to break and hit the right stroke. On 18, I had a chip shot over the bunker, a good flop, but didn’t hole the putt. At the end of the day, being 11 back going into the weekend was really good, and having the crowds behind me was really encouraging. I felt a lot of pressure with family, friends, and crowds watching, but it showed me the extra practice I put in paid off even when I wasn’t feeling 100%. I love playing in the UK and I really like Wales."

But it's not just recurring back issues that Hull has to contend with, as she tripped in the car park earlier this week and was left fearing that she had broken her ankle. Despite hoping that she would compete at Centurion, she withdrew just before the tournament following an MRI scan, but will be around to meet spectators during the weekend.

"I’m devastated not to be competing in front of a home crowd again this week, however I’m really looking forward to supporting the event and spending time with fans this week," said Hull.

There is never a dull moment in the life of Charley Hull - and that's why so many golf fans love watching her play.