Charley Hull came close to capturing her first major title at the AIG Women’s Open but fell short in a stunning finish that left golf enthusiasts stunned. The event took place at Royal Porthcawl, where Hull’s major title near miss unfolded during the final round, as she battled back strongly only to falter in the closing holes.
Unexpected Surge Puts Hull in Contention
Heading into the tournament, Hull was not among the frontrunners, especially after a challenging opening round where she posted a 1-over 73. However, her performance during the second round changed the narrative as she shot an impressive 6-under 66, steadily climbing the leaderboard. Despite being three shots behind leader Miyu Yamashita going into the final day, Hull adopted a carefree mindset.
“I haven’t got nothing to lose, have I? I don’t know,”
Hull said.
“Just going out there and enjoy playing golf. Kind of like playing golf with your mates. You just want to make birdies on every hole. That’s how it feels tomorrow.”
—Charley Hull, LPGA Star
Strong Start in Final Round Raises Hopes
Hull’s final round began promisingly with a bogey-free front nine, including three birdies that positioned her well to challenge for the title. This burst of momentum appeared to signal that she was ready to finally secure a major championship after years of near misses.
Late Stage Collapse Costs the Title
Unfortunately, Hull’s bid unraveled on the 16th hole when she recorded a bogey, dropping her to 10-under for the tournament. The setback compounded on the very next hole with another bogey, which extinguished her chances of victory. Despite rallying beautifully earlier in the event, these critical errors ultimately relegated her to a second-place finish.
Reactions from Fans Express Disappointment and Support
Golf fans took to social media to express their heartbreak over Hull’s late-round missteps. Admirers were quick to acknowledge her fighting spirit while lamenting the lost opportunity.
“Not the result Charley Hull wants, but what a competitor! Her time will come,”
one fan wrote.
“Bad luck Charley Hull. Just the last three holes cost her,”
another commented.
“Sadly typical Charley Hull when potentially winning a major this finish,”
a third fan noted.
“If like-ability won major championships, Charley Hull and Tommy Fleetwood would have ten a piece. Both incredibly enjoyable to watch but always seem to find one too good,”
a fourth fan added.
Continuing the Search for Major Championship Glory
This second-place result marks the fourth time Hull has finished runner-up in a major, highlighting a pattern of near-success without ultimate victory. As a former Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year, Hull’s talent is undeniable, and many anticipate that she will break through soon. The experience gained at Royal Porthcawl could prove invaluable as she aims to capture a major title in 2026.