Charley Hull from England celebrated a remarkable achievement as she clinched her third LPGA Tour title at the enthralling conclusion of the Queen City Championship. This victory came on the heels of a thrilling finish where Hull managed to surpass the world’s number one golfer, Jeeno Thitikul from Thailand, in a nail-biting showdown on the final hole.
As the players approached the par-five 18th hole, Hull found herself one shot behind, creating a dramatic sense of anticipation. The dynamics quickly shifted when Thitikul, perhaps feeling the heat of the moment, faltered under pressure and ended up with a disappointing four-putt bogey. This surprising misstep opened the door for Hull, presenting her with a critical opportunity—a straightforward two-foot putt that she confidently sank for birdie, thereby securing not just the hole, but the championship itself. This victory was particularly significant as it marked Hull’s first LPGA Tour win since 2022, a triumph that undoubtedly resonated deeply with her supporters and the golfing community at large.
Reflecting on the extraordinary day, Hull shared her insights, saying, “I wasn’t really watching her putt for birdie because I thought she was going to hole it.” She continued, “I guess it’s not over until the fat lady sings, but I was shaking over that last putt because I just didn’t expect it. But yeah, it feels great.” These words captured the essence of the high stakes involved, illustrating both the anxiety of competing at such an elite level and the immense relief and joy that come with victory.
In addition to Hull’s success, Lottie Woad—another talented golfer from England—impressed the audience by finishing in third place, just one shot behind Thitikul. Woad’s performance was marked by her best round of the tournament, which she completed with an outstanding six-under 66 on Sunday, culminating in an overall score of 18 under. This achievement not only highlights her potential but also positions her as a rising star in women’s golf.
As the dramatic final round unfolded, both Hull and Thitikul approached the final green in an impressive two shots. Thitikul, managing to place her first putt within six feet of the hole, looked poised to potentially maintain her lead. However, Hull faced her own challenge, missing an eagle opportunity. The tension escalated as Thitikul had the chance to extend her lead, yet fate intervened, causing her to miss both her birdie and par attempts that would have forced a playoff.
In response to the intense competition, Hull seized the moment, confidently converting her birdie chance to finish with a remarkable overall score of 20 under, an accomplishment that came with a substantial reward of $300,000 (£221,340) for her victory.
Throughout the round, both competitors maintained a steady pace, finishing with matching scores of four-under 68, which preserved the slender margin by which Hull triumphed, a lead she had managed to hold since the third day of the tournament. The 29-year-old Hull, who faced disappointment with back-to-back second-place finishes in her previous tournaments, showcased remarkable tenacity and skill. By the time they reached the TPC River’s Bend on Sunday, Hull had managed a two-stroke lead over Thitikul, showcasing her strategic prowess.
Thitikul fought back valiantly, closing the gap with a birdie on the 10th hole, and both players showcased their skills with birdies on the 11th. However, Hull’s bogey at the 13th opened the door for Thitikul to briefly seize the lead with a birdie at the next hole. Hull, demonstrating her resilience, fought back with a birdie on the 16th, but another bogey on 17 temporarily gave Thitikul the upper hand. Yet, in a twist of fate, Thitikul’s advantage faltered on the final hole, allowing Hull to capitalize and claim a well-deserved victory.
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