Charlie Hull won the season-opening Ladies European Tour event by one shot with an impressive final-round 65 at the LET’s PIF Saudi Ladies International in Riyadh.
With what ultimately proved to be a tournament-clinching birdie on the 18th hole, England’s Hull, who had already made an eagle on the par-5 12th, finished the final round on seven under par, giving him a 19-under clubhouse lead for the tournament.
South Africa’s Cassandra Alexander, still on the course, had a chance to deny Hull altogether or force a playoff from her 19 under par position, but she bogeyed the 17th hole and was only par on the 18th hole.
Alexander tied for second place with Japan’s Akie Iwai with a total of 18 under par.
The victory in Saudi Arabia was Hull’s first tournament victory since her LPGA Tour win in Cincinnati in September, and the Aramco Team Series event, also held at Riyadh Golf Club, marked the 29-year-old’s first Ladies European Tour crown since November 2024.
She has won five LET titles ahead of her 30th birthday next month.
Haru started the day three shots behind the leaders Choi Hye-jin and Rio Takeda, and was only 1 under after 10 holes in the final round, but from there he made four birdies and one eagle to make a decisive difference.
After receiving the trophy, Hull said, “It’s a great feeling. It’s like, ‘Wow, today went a little too fast!'” He was only 1 under after nine holes, but made a strong charge on the back nine.
“It was funny because the last time I was here, my boyfriend said to me, ‘First of all, go out and make a lot of birdies,’ and last night he said to me, ‘You’re going to make a lot of birdies, come in and (the players) will come after you,’ and I just did that.”
“I feel great. I love this golf course.”
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Charlie Hull talks about winning the PIF Saudi Women’s International and what it means for her going forward
As for the potential secret to her back nine rush, Hull said, “Well, after nine holes I ran to the bathroom and ate some mashed potatoes, so I don’t know if that gave me any strength heading into the back nine!”
“I’ve been working hard this offseason, so I’m really happy to see the results so quickly.”
Hull and compatriot Mimi Rose shot a final round 67 to finish tied for sixth place.
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