Charley Hull's Triumphant Start to the 2026 Season: A One-Shot Wonder in Saudi Arabia
In a thrilling conclusion to the Ladies European Tour's season opener, Charley Hull emerged victorious with a one-shot triumph at the PIF Saudi Ladies International in Riyadh. Her final-round performance, highlighted by an impressive 65, secured her first win of the year and a memorable start to the 2026 campaign.
The pivotal moment came on Hull's 18th hole, where a tournament-clinching birdie sealed her fate. Having already eagled the par-five 12th, the English golfer finished her round at seven-under par, setting a clubhouse lead of 19-under for the tournament. With South Africa's Casandra Alexander still on the course, the tension rose as she had a chance to either snatch the win outright or force a playoff. However, a bogey on the 17th and a subsequent par on the 18th left Alexander tied for second with Japan's Akie Iwai, both finishing at 18-under.
But here's where it gets controversial... Hull's victory in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in her career. It's her first tournament win since her success on the LPGA Tour in Cincinnati last September, and her first Ladies European Tour crown since November 2024, when she triumphed at the Aramco Team Series event, also held at the Riyadh Golf Club. With this win, Hull has now claimed five LET titles before her 30th birthday next month, a remarkable achievement.
Starting the day three shots behind the overnight leaders, Hye-Jin Choi and Rio Takeda, Hull's performance was a testament to her resilience. Despite being one under for her final round through 10 holes, a remarkable stretch of four birdies and one eagle from thereon made all the difference.
And this is the part most people miss... After receiving the winner's trophy, Hull shared some insightful comments. She expressed her delight, saying, "It feels great. It's a bit like 'wow, it's gone a bit too fast today!' I was only one under through nine holes and then I made a charge on the back nine."
She also credited her boyfriend's advice, saying, "He told me to go out and make lots of birdies, and last night he said I'd have players chasing me, and that's exactly what happened!"
As for the secret to her back-nine charge, Hull humorously revealed, "I ran into the toilet after nine holes and had some mashed potatoes. Maybe that gave me the power for the back nine!"
Hull's compatriot, Mimi Rhodes, also had a strong showing, shooting a final-round 67 and finishing tied for sixth.
So, what do you think? Is Hull's victory a sign of things to come for the 2026 season? Or was it a one-off triumph? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this exciting start to the Ladies European Tour season.
