Charley Hull really enjoyed playing at the side of Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu: “They’re two great people”

Charley Hull made a strong statement at the 2024 AIG Women’s Open, held at the historic St. Andrews in Scotland. After completing her first round of 18 holes, Hull found herself at the top of the leaderboard, a position earned through a combination of skillful play and patience amid challenging conditions.

Her performance was accompanied by insightful declarations about the round, her playing partners, and her overall approach to links golf.

Charley Hull: A Solid Start Amidst Challenging Conditions

After completing 18 holes at the AIG Women’s Open on August 22, 2024, Charley Hull expressed her satisfaction with her performance, especially given the difficult conditions on the Old Course at St. Andrews.

In a mixed zone interview, Charley Hull shared her thoughts on the round, which saw her shoot an impressive 5-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead. The round was anything but straightforward, with gusty winds making it difficult for players to control their shots, particularly on the front nine.

Reflecting on the day, Charley Hull noted how she had initially been concerned about the weather, stating:

“Before my round, I was in there watching it on the TV when I saw the scores, and I thought, how is she 4-under-par; that was an unbelievable score. I’d take that now because it was gusting a lot on the range.”

Despite her apprehensions, Hull managed to stay focused and adapt to the conditions, a skill that has become increasingly important in her game.

The highlight of Charley Hull’s day wasn’t just her score, but also the company she kept on the course. Paired with World No. 1 Nelly Korda and defending champion Lilia Vu, Hull described the experience as both challenging and enjoyable:

“You’re playing with Nelly and Lilia, so they’re two great people. Their caddies are really cool guys, as well, so it was just chilled out there,” Charley Hull shared, emphasizing the importance of staying patient throughout the round.

Playing alongside top competitors can often push a player to elevate their game, and Charley Hull was no exception:

“I love playing with them two girls. Nelly is an unbelievable ball striker, Lilia is a great putter. You just kind of know, even when they’re making some bogeys, you think the whole field is finding this tricky, so you kind of just keep in the moment,” she added.

The camaraderie and mutual respect among the trio were evident, and Charley Hull’s ability to maintain her focus despite the challenging conditions was crucial to her success.

Charley Hull’s preparation for the tournament also played a significant role in her strong start. After competing in the Scottish Open the previous week, where she finished fifth, Hull had fine-tuned her approach to links golf, a format she admits hasn’t always been her strong suit:

“I’ve been working hard on it the last few weeks, so [my coach has] kind of got me prepared, got me working on some three-quarter shots,” she explained.

This preparation, combined with her natural talent, allowed Hull to handle the unpredictable wind conditions with confidence.

The wind at St. Andrews was a constant factor throughout the day, and Hull had to make several adjustments to her game to cope with it:

“It was very strong, especially when we had a hold-up on 11. It got really cold there, as well,” Hull recalled.

To stay warm and maintain her performance, Charley Hull donned a wrap between shots, a strategy she had planned in advance:

“Yeah, keeping me warm between shots, just because it’s quite thick and it keeps my shoulder warm,” she noted.

Charley Hull’s focus on staying comfortable and mentally sharp paid off, as she was able to navigate the difficult conditions and make key shots when it mattered most. Her birdie on the 18th hole was a particular highlight, securing her spot at the top of the leaderboard and setting the stage for a strong showing in the rest of the tournament.

As Hull heads into the second round, she remains optimistic about her chances, though she knows there is still a long way to go. “I’m happy with that score, and I’m just looking forward to going out tomorrow and being patient again,” she stated, demonstrating the level-headed approach that has become a hallmark of her game.

With her strong start and positive mindset, Charley Hull is poised to be a serious contender at this year’s AIG Women’s Open. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Hull to see if she can maintain her lead and claim her first major victory on home soil.