Charley Hull has reignited her chances of claiming her first major title after mounting an impressive comeback at the AIG Women’s Open held at Royal Porthcawl. The Englishwoman’s major final round chase was sparked by a strong third-round performance that brought her back into contention heading into the tournament’s final day.
After disappointing starts of 73 and 71 left Hull 11 shots behind halfway leader Miyu Yamashita, the two-time major runner-up embraced a fearless approach for the weekend. Hull declared her intent to take aggressive shots, telling Sky Sports on Friday that she was ready to “go at everything” with “nothing to lose.”
How Hull Climbed the Leaderboard with a Brilliant Third Round
True to her word, Hull played with remarkable precision on Saturday. She began her charge early with a birdie at the second hole and held steady through a challenging fourth hole, despite a wayward drive narrowly missing fellow competitor Minjee Lee on the tee box.
Hull then hit her stride with a front nine of 31 that included five birdies, underscoring her relentless pursuit of the leaders. Her momentum continued with consecutive birdies starting at the 12th hole, propelling her up the leaderboard and generating excitement around her comeback bid.
However, Hull’s run faced a slight setback at the par-four 14th, where a missed green led to her first bogey of the round. Undeterred, she recovered by scrambling to save par at 15 and nearly holed a long putt at 17. Hull finished her round with four pars, closing with a six-under 66—the joint-lowest round she has ever recorded in a major.
I just kind of enjoy chasing, It’s quite fun. I like it. It’s more fun that way.
—Charley Hull
I like hunting someone down. It was good fun. See what she [Yamashita] does this afternoon and just focus again tomorrow.
—Charley Hull
Minjee Lee Reflects on Close Call During Hull’s Round
Minjee Lee, one of Hull’s playing partners over the first two days, narrowly avoided injury when Hull’s wayward drive nearly struck her on the 17th tee box. Lee was relieved after the incident, highlighting the intensity of competition during the round.
I’m glad it bounced big because it flew straight over me, It came right over me. It was trying to take me out!
—Minjee Lee
Conditions and Challenges During Hull’s Surge
Hull described the weather conditions as calm early in her round but noted a sudden increase in wind affected play midway through. Despite these challenges, she maintained confidence and managed to score well on difficult holes in the final stretch.
I felt like you had to go out there and shoot a good score, It was quiet with no wind to begin with, then a couple of holes in it got pretty windy. I felt pretty confident.
—Charley Hull
A shame about the last hole, but it was quite a tricky putt down the slope and I could feel both breaks on it. I couldn’t really hit it firm enough to hit it through the break, because it was a little bit and downhill as well, but it doesn’t matter!
—Charley Hull
Georgia Hall’s Solid Performance and Reflections on Missed Opportunities
Defending champion Georgia Hall remained a strong contender after shooting a four-under 68 in the third round. Like Hull, Hall found birdie form with back-to-back gains beginning at the 12th hole but was hampered by mistakes late in her round, including a bogey following two attempts to escape a bunker at the 13th and another dropped shot at 15.
Hall ended her day at four under par, moving into striking distance for the final round as she aims to retain her title.
Obviously very happy with my round, but I think I let some go at the end, Missed a short putt on the last. I kind of managed to par 16, 17 as well after – they’re really tough holes.
—Georgia Hall
I feel like it could be a bit better. Again, I think if I can get started like I did today tomorrow, then see what happens, see where I am.
—Georgia Hall
Anticipation Builds for Final Day Showdown at AIG Women’s Open
As the AIG Women’s Open heads into its final round, Charley Hull’s remarkable third-round performance has reshaped the leaderboard and set the stage for an exciting Sunday at Royal Porthcawl. With her aggressive play and momentum, Hull poses a clear threat to leaders like Miyu Yamashita and Georgia Hall.
Fans and viewers can catch the live final round coverage starting midday on Sky Sports Golf, with streaming options available for those without traditional TV access. Hull’s major final round chase epitomizes the drama and competitive spirit that make this championship one of the most thrilling events on the women’s golf calendar.