Charley Hull triumphs in Saudi Arabia for first LET title in two years

November 04, 2024

Charley Hull has claimed her first victory in two years at the Ladies European Tour (LET) event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by securing the Aramco Team Series title with a final round of 6-under 66. This victory marks a significant achievement for the English golfer, who has shown consistent form in recent tournaments, finally returning to the top spot.

Hull, 28, has had a strong comeback since injuring her right shoulder in July after a slip in the shower. In her recent LPGA events, she consistently placed within the top 20, including a dominant performance against Nelly Korda at the Solheim Cup. Following a T-19 finish at the Kroger Queen City Championship in September, Hull took some time off in England, preparing herself for this LET tournament in Saudi Arabia.

Hull's final score of 18 under over the three days put her three strokes clear of Denmark’s Nicole Broch Estrup. This win adds to her record of four LET titles, complementing her two LPGA victories. Over the past two years, she’s been close to victory numerous times, securing eight runner-up finishes across both the LPGA and LET, demonstrating her resilience and competitiveness.

Despite the thrill of winning, Hull celebrated in her usual understated way, expressing her joy at her game coming together and hinting at her modest post-win celebration plans. She also noted the fitness routine that keeps her strong, squeezing in a 5K run before even warming up for her final round.

With her eyes set on the LPGA’s last two events—the Annika event and the CME Group Tour Championship—Hull plans to head back to America. Reflecting on her success at the CME Group Tour Championship’s golf course in 2016, Hull looks forward to returning to the venue before the holiday season.

Additionally, Chiara Tamburlini of Switzerland made headlines by becoming the first Swiss golfer to win the LET Order of Merit, a significant milestone for the 24-year-old. She joined an elite group of players who have won both the Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year in a single season, a rare achievement shared with legends like Laura Davies and Carlota Ciganda.

This event in Riyadh concluded the Aramco Team Series, backed by Saudi investment. However, the Saudi-sponsored LET events remain controversial due to ongoing concerns over human rights issues, particularly regarding women’s rights, in Saudi Arabia.