Charley Hull has certainly threatened to end her wait for a first major title at the AIG Women’s Open over the last couple of years.
Charley Hull finished second at the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath in 2023 after being tied with eventual champion Lilia Vu heading into the final round. Meanwhile, the 29-year-old led the way after the opening round at St Andrews 12 months ago.
Unfortunately, two rounds of 75 over the weekend saw Hull end up in a tie for 20th at the Old Course.
A pretty miserable start to Thursday’s round at Royal Porthcawl has left Hull with a mountain to climb if she hopes to win this week. But the good news as she looks to turn things around is that Hull is a fan of the golf course.
Charley Hull’s verdict on Royal Porthcawl ahead of The Women’s Open
This week marks the first time that the iconic Welsh course has hosted The Women’s Open. So it is going to be fascinating to see which players thrive in the conditions.
And speaking ahead of her first round, Hull was asked to share her verdict on the golf course.
“Yeah, it’s really good. I think it’s a great golf course. I played here back in 2011 in the Junior Vagliano. Me and Georgia Hall played here for GB&I. Me and Georgia were paired here. Back then we were always inseparable. We played together in foursomes,” she said.
“I remember in the practice round I always used to play with a number three marker and three orange dots, and in tournament my ball would be a one. So we went out in foursomes. On the third hole, I’ve hit it right, but the day before I’ve hit it right in the practice round.
“Anyway, she gets down there and just sees three dots on the golf ball and she whacks on the green. I get up to the green, I think I’ve got a putt to win the hole. I look at ball, and I said, George, we’ve got number three here. I play with one. She’s like, it’s got your marks. I said, yeah, that’s my ball I lost yesterday in the practice round. Lost the hole immediately. It was quite funny.
“Yeah, I’ve got such great memories from this golf course. It’s just a great spot for everyone to come. The golf course is great. Obviously I played here back in January with Nigel Edwards as well, and he helped me out and it was great.”
Charley Hull discusses her strategy off the tee at the final major of the year
So often the difficulty of a links golf course is determined by the weather conditions. Royal Portrush did not show its full teeth over the weekend at the recent Open Championship.
Rain and wind can make these kind of courses considerably tougher. And Hull was asked about the strategy she will take into the tournament, particularly off the tee.
“Usually I’m a very good bunker player, but these are very penal, so you’ve just got to get them out. That’s the defence of this golf course. I think, if the wind blows, it’s going to be very tricky,” she added.
Unfortunately, a double bogey and bogey in her first three holes on Thursday has left Hull playing catch up from the outset.
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