Anna Huang secured a two-shot victory at the PIF London Championship held at Centurion Club, capitalising on a late double-bogey by Charley Hull. Huang’s win marks her fourth Ladies European Tour title.
Hull, a local favourite, began the final round three shots behind the 17-year-old Huang. She made five birdies over an 11-hole stretch, taking a one-shot lead as she approached the par-3 17th hole. However, her momentum shifted on this hole.
Both players reached the green with their tee shots. Huang made an easy par, while Hull’s shot landed 30 feet from the hole. Hull’s birdie attempt went five feet past the hole, and her subsequent putt for par rolled four feet past in the opposite direction. She ultimately recorded a double-bogey, falling one shot behind Huang as they headed to the par-5 18th.
Despite the setback, Hull managed to find the green in two shots on the 18th and two-putted for a closing birdie. However, Huang sealed her victory by draining a long eagle putt, finishing two shots clear of Hull.
Hull’s strong performance and fatigue
Hull’s week at the Centurion Club began with a score of 74. She then delivered a course-record 11-under 62 on Friday, which brought her back into contention for the title. This bogey-free round surpassed the previous course record set by Georgia Hall.
Following her record-breaking round, Hull mentioned feeling run down after a demanding schedule that included two majors and the women’s Scottish Open within a four-week period. She noted that she was exhausted from the previous weeks, particularly after the AIG Women’s Open.
Hull also indicated that she was dealing with ongoing injuries, requiring significant physiotherapy. Despite feeling tired on Friday morning, she expressed surprise at her 11-under score, describing it as feeling like the easiest 11-under of her career. She felt she could have even improved on that score.
Despite her physical and mental fatigue, the World No. 6 pushed herself into contention for her first win in England. Her final round included six birdies before her difficulties on the 17th green. She ultimately finished with a four-under 69.
Huang’s historic victory
Huang described the final round as potentially the most thrilling golf round of her life. She expressed shock at her win and stated that she focused on each shot, knowing that anything could happen, especially on the challenging final three holes.
The Canadian teenager also mentioned her surprise at making another eagle on the 18th hole, attributing it to focusing on the putt and making a good stroke. She praised Hull as a phenomenal player and enjoyed playing with her in the final group over the past two days.
With this victory, Huang, at 17 years, nine months, and 10 days old, broke Lydia Ko’s record for the youngest player to win four LET titles. Ko achieved her fourth title at 18 years, four months, and 20 days.
Huang reflected on a difficult period a year prior, stating that golf was not enjoyable for her then. She credited her family and support system for helping her overcome those challenges. Huang also shared her admiration for Ko, who has always been an idol to her, noting there is much to admire about Ko’s game. This win was also significant as it was her first with her mother in attendance.
As Huang celebrated her historic achievement, Hull was left to reflect on another challenging loss in a year that has presented its share of missed opportunities.
Source: golf.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
