Charley Hull Faces Heartbreak Again as Nelly Korda Claims US Open Title
England’s Charley Hull once again faced heartbreak in a major championship, as world number one Nelly Korda secured her first Women’s US Open title. The event took place at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, where Hull showed strong performances throughout the tournament but ultimately finished just one shot behind Korda on seven under par. This marks Hull’s fifth runner-up finish in major championships, highlighting the consistent challenge she faces in these high-stakes events.
Mexico’s Gaby Lopez finished alongside Hull in second place, while South Korea’s In Gee Chun and Sei Young Kim were a shot further back. Despite the disappointment, Hull expressed her admiration for Korda’s performance and acknowledged the difficulty of competing in such a prestigious tournament.
“It’s just frustrating,” said Hull. “Another second place, I think that’s five second-place finishes I’ve had in majors now. It’s pretty annoying, but I played really well the last day. Obviously missed a couple putts on the back nine, but it was quite windy and I hit the ball fantastic, so fair play to Nelly Korda for back-to-back wins.”
Hull also emphasized her passion for playing in major championships, stating, “I just love playing in the majors. Like I pretty much only get up for the majors. I loved it out there. It was so much fun. The crowds were great and it was nice to see so many young kids around.”
A Strong Start and Near Misses
Hull started the final round with a remarkable performance, moving from seven strokes behind the pace at halftime to three shots off the lead. She began the day with an eagle three at the first hole, followed by two more birdies before dropping a shot at the ninth. Her back-to-back birdies at the start of the back nine put her back in contention for the lead.
However, dropped shots on the 12th and 14th holes derailed her momentum. A crucial birdie at the 17th hole after getting up and down from a greenside bunker moved her back into a share of the lead. Despite this, Hull was unable to hole her chip from behind the 18th green for a closing gain. Instead, she holed the return putt to set the clubhouse pace and matched the lowest round of the day with a 67.
Nelly Korda’s Triumph
Behind Hull in the closing group, Korda maintained a steady performance, recording nine straight pars before birding the par-five 17th to edge ahead by one stroke. Her victory was not without its challenges, as she faced a tense moment on the 18th hole when her short par putt rolled around the lip of the hole before finally dropping in. This secured her fourth major title with a closing score of 69.
Korda’s win follows her success in the Chevron Championship in April, making her the holder of the first two major crowns of the season. Reflecting on her achievement, Korda shared, “That 14-year-old girl that stepped on the range at Sebonack in 2013, I mean, her dream has just come true sitting next to this trophy right now. It’s really hard to put into words.”
A New Era for Women’s Golf
The Women’s US Open continues to be a showcase for some of the most talented players in the sport. As Korda solidifies her position as a dominant force, Hull remains a formidable competitor who consistently delivers strong performances. While the heartbreak of another near-miss is evident, her resilience and dedication to the game remain unwavering.
With each major championship, the competition grows fiercer, and the stakes continue to rise. For fans and players alike, the excitement of these tournaments lies in the unpredictability and the sheer skill required to emerge victorious. As the golfing world looks ahead, the future promises even more thrilling moments and unforgettable performances.
