Charley Hull's Stunning Start to 2026: A One-Shot Victory in Saudi Arabia
The 2026 Ladies European Tour kicked off with a thrilling finish as Charley Hull claimed the title at the PIF Saudi Ladies International. Hull's impressive performance in the final round, carding a 65, secured her a one-shot victory and a memorable start to the season.
The tournament's climax came down to the 18th hole, where Hull's birdie sealed the deal. With an eagle on the par-five 12th already under her belt, Hull finished her final round at seven-under par, posting a clubhouse lead of 19-under for the tournament. But the drama wasn't over yet...
Casandra Alexander from South Africa had a chance to either force a playoff or snatch victory away from Hull, but a bogey on the 17th and a par on the 18th meant she finished tied for second with Japan's Akie Iwai, both at 18-under. And this is where the story gets even more intriguing...
This win holds significant importance for Hull, as it marks her first tournament victory since her LPGA Tour success in Cincinnati last September. Moreover, it's her first Ladies European Tour title since November 2024, when she triumphed at the Aramco Team Series event, also held at the Riyadh Golf Club.
With her 30th birthday approaching, Hull now boasts five LET titles. Starting the day three shots behind the overnight leaders, Hye-Jin Choi and Rio Takeda, Hull's final round was a tale of two halves. After a slow start, she found her rhythm on the back nine, making four birdies and an eagle to surge ahead.
After receiving the winner's trophy, an elated Hull shared her thoughts: 'It's incredible! I can't believe how quickly things turned around today. I started with a modest one-under through nine holes, but then I caught fire on the back nine.'
But here's where it gets controversial... Hull credits her success to an unusual source: 'I popped into the toilet after the ninth hole and grabbed some mashed potatoes. Maybe that's what gave me the energy boost for the back nine!'
Hull's hard work during the off-season paid off, and she's thrilled with the immediate results. Her compatriot, Mimi Rhodes, also impressed with a final round 67, finishing tied for sixth.
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