Charley Hull delivered an impressive performance by tying for second place at the 2025 AIG Women’s Open, held last week at Royal Porthcawl in Wales. This tournament also set remarkable new records for both attendance and viewership, making it a landmark event in women’s golf history.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Enhanced Digital Engagement at Royal Porthcawl
The 2025 AIG Women’s Open attracted more than 47,000 spectators, becoming the largest women’s sporting event ever hosted in Wales. Nearly 2,500 children attended thanks to the R&A’s ‘Kids go Free’ initiative, which encouraged family participation. The event’s popularity extended beyond the venue with outstanding digital performance, including a 144% rise in YouTube views and a 133% boost in online engagements compared to the previous year.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, reacted positively to these achievements, stating,
“The AIG Women’s Open is making significant strides across the board. We are delighted with how many fans have attended this week and the numbers of fans who have tuned in on television and engaged with our digital platforms.”
—Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A
Charley Hull’s Journey through the Tournament Rounds
Charley Hull began the tournament with a challenging opening round at Royal Porthcawl, scoring a 1-over 73 that included six birdies, five bogeys, and a double bogey. She steadied her game on the second day by shooting an even-par 71, which kept her safely within the 2-over cutline.
Hull’s form improved dramatically on the third round, where she shot a 6-under 66 with seven birdies and just one bogey, propelling her into a tie for fourth place heading into the final day. In the concluding round, Hull tallied five birdies against two bogeys, finishing with a total score of 9-under 279, which earned her a second-place tie alongside Minami Katsu. The tournament winner, Miyu Yamashita, finished two strokes ahead at 11-under 277.
Reflecting on a Strong Performance and Future Prospects
Despite narrowly missing the championship by two strokes, Hull’s performance marked her best showing on the LPGA Tour this season. In an Instagram post after the tournament, she expressed her passion for competition, writing,
“There’s nothing like the adrenaline of being in the mix on a Sunday. It’s why I love this game…”
—Charley Hull
At 29, Hull reflected on the toughness of Royal Porthcawl and her satisfaction with how she climbed the leaderboard during the event. Although it was difficult to come so close to victory without winning, she felt she maintained control throughout and gave her utmost effort.
The 2025 AIG Women’s Open not only highlighted Charley Hull’s talent but also demonstrated the growing enthusiasm and support for women’s golf, signaling a promising future for the sport as it gains renewed attention from fans worldwide.