Charley Hull came agonizingly close to ending her long wait for a major title at the AIG Women’s Open, but once again, it wasn’t to be. At Royal Porthcawl, Hull mounted an extraordinary weekend comeback that electrified the galleries and reignited hopes of a historic breakthrough. Yet, standing in her way was Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, whose ice-cool composure under pressure delivered her a maiden major victory by a narrow two-shot margin.
For Hull, the latest near-miss adds another chapter to what has become an increasingly familiar story. This was her fourth runner-up finish in a major championship, a tally that now places her second in LPGA history for most second-place finishes without a win, trailing only Ayako Okamoto’s six. But numbers don’t tell the full story. This week wasn’t just about statistics; it was about resilience, grit, and a player refusing to give up on her dream.
Hull’s week didn’t begin with much optimism. In fact, she admitted that simply making it past the cut line seemed unlikely. Illness had plagued her preparation, leaving her undercooked and uncertain heading into the tournament. “I didn’t think I was going to make the cut,” she said, laying bare the struggles she carried into Royal Porthcawl. Yet, as the weekend arrived, Hull rediscovered her rhythm, stringing together a sensational run of birdies that quickly turned a modest campaign into a serious title bid.
By Sunday afternoon, Hull had clawed back an 11-shot deficit and found herself within a single stroke of the lead during the final back nine. The roars from the home crowd grew louder with every clutch putt, but as with so many sporting stories, the margin for error was cruelly thin. A bunker mishap on the 16th and a tough break on the 17th green ultimately derailed her charge. Still, Hull refused to dwell on the negatives. “I didn’t mis-hit a thing. I played solid,” she said after her round, emphasizing her aggressive approach and her satisfaction with her execution.
While Yamashita’s victory deservedly took the spotlight, Hull’s fighting spirit defined much of the day’s drama. Far from being disheartened, she embraced the experience, highlighting her love for the high-stakes atmosphere. “It’s just a game at the end of the day,” she reflected with a smile. “I enjoyed every second of it. That adrenaline — it’s the best feeling in the world.”
Hull’s latest runner-up finish will no doubt stir discussions about when, not if, her moment will come. Among those who firmly believe her time is near is Dame Laura Davies, who praised Hull’s composure and quality under pressure. “She’s star quality. Every time she’s in contention, she performs. It’s baffling she hasn’t won more, but her breakthrough will come,” Davies remarked. Hull’s ability to stay aggressive and calm, even in the face of mounting tension, stood out to Davies, who insisted that the English star’s persistence would eventually be rewarded.
As the curtain falls on the 2025 major season, Hull will turn her attention to the next opportunity: the Chevron Championship next year, a tournament where she previously came close in 2016. For now, the wait continues, but if Hull’s spirited performance at Royal Porthcawl is any indication, it’s a matter of time before she adds her name to the list of major champions. She may have left without the trophy, but she departed with her head held high, her confidence intact, and an ever-growing army of supporters who know her moment is coming.
