Charley Hull's near-miss at the US Women's Open is a testament to her resilience and determination. While she fell just short of winning, her performance was a sight to behold, showcasing her ability to make a late charge and challenge the best in the world. Hull's aggressive approach, coupled with her improved performance on the greens, made for an exhilarating final day at the Riviera Country Club.
Hull's journey in the US Women's Open is not without precedent. Her slow starts and rapid finishes in major tournaments are a familiar pattern, with a similar story playing out at Pebble Beach three years ago. But this time, she had a new mantra: 'Shy girls don't get sweets.' This phrase, while blunt, encapsulates her mindset shift towards embracing risk and going for broke. It's a refreshing change from her previous approach, and it's paying off.
The final round was a testament to Hull's newfound confidence. Her opening eagle and birdie set the tone for a thrilling afternoon, with a record-equalling 67 putting her in contention. Her weekend total of 132, matched with Meg Mallon's championship record, was a testament to her improved performance on the greens. Despite crucial misses, Hull's overall performance was a strong indicator of her potential to break through in major tournaments.
Hull's optimism is well-founded. Her recent runner-up finishes and top-20s in major tournaments are a clear sign of her improving form. Her love for playing in the majors and her ability to make a massive charge when she makes the cut are a recipe for success. While she may struggle with motivation on normal weeks, her passion for the game shines through during major weeks.
However, Hull's aggressive approach may not always be the best strategy. Nelly Korda, the world number one, took a more pragmatic approach to winning her fourth major title. Her focus on one shot at a time and her ability to stay patient and aggressive when needed is a recipe for success. Korda's composure and technical skills, coupled with her height advantage, proved to be the difference in a closely contested tournament.
Korda's win is a testament to her golfing greatness. Her ability to grind it out and stay patient, while also knowing when to be aggressive, is a skill that sets her apart. Her win at the Chevron Championship in April, coupled with her recent US Women's Open victory, cements her status as a force to be reckoned with in the women's game.
In conclusion, Hull's near-miss at the US Women's Open is a reminder of her potential and her ability to challenge the best. While she may not have won, her performance was a sight to behold. Korda's win, on the other hand, is a testament to her composure and technical skills. Both players have a bright future ahead of them, and their rivalry will only continue to grow as they strive for golfing greatness.
