Anna Huang claimed the PIF London Championship title at Centurion Club, capitalising on a late challenge from Charley Hull. Huang’s victory marked her fourth Ladies European Tour title, achieved with her mother present for the first time.
Hull, a local favourite, began the final round three shots behind the 17-year-old Huang. She mounted a significant charge, recording five birdies over an 11-hole stretch to take a one-shot lead as she approached the par-3 17th hole. However, her momentum shifted on this penultimate hole.
Both players reached the green with their tee shots. Huang secured an easy par. Hull’s tee shot landed approximately 30 feet from the hole, offering a potential birdie opportunity. Her birdie attempt went five feet past the hole, and the subsequent putt for par rolled four feet past in the opposite direction. Hull ultimately recorded a double-bogey, falling one shot behind Huang as they headed to the par-5 18th.
On the final hole, Hull found the green in two shots and made a two-putt birdie. However, Huang responded by sinking a long eagle putt, securing a two-shot victory over Hull and finishing the tournament at 22-under.
Huang’s historic achievement
Huang’s win set a new record for the youngest player to achieve four LET titles. At 17 years, nine months, and 10 days old, she surpassed the previous record held by Lydia Ko, who achieved her fourth title at 18 years, four months, and 20 days.
Reflecting on her victory, Huang described the final round as “thrilling” and “crazy,” stating she was “shocked” by the outcome. She mentioned focusing on each shot during the challenging final holes, acknowledging that “anything can happen in golf.” Huang also expressed admiration for Hull, calling her a “phenomenal player” and noting the positive experience of playing alongside her in the final group for two days.
Huang also shared insights into her journey, revealing that a year prior, she was at a “low point” where golf was not enjoyable. She credited her family and support system for helping her overcome those challenges and push through that period. She also spoke of her long-standing admiration for Ko, citing her as an idol and highlighting her game as something to admire.
Hull’s strong performance and late setback
Hull’s tournament began with a round of 74. She then delivered a course-record 11-under 62 on Friday, which brought her back into contention. This bogey-free round broke the previous course record set by Georgia Hall. Following this impressive performance, Hull admitted to feeling fatigued after a demanding schedule that included two majors and the women’s Scottish Open within a four-week period.
Despite feeling “tired” and having “ongoing injuries” that required physiotherapy, Hull expressed surprise at her 11-under score, describing it as the “easiest 11-under of my life.” She felt she could have improved her score further.
The 30-year-old’s final round included six birdies. She made birdies at the sixth, ninth, 13th, 15th, and 16th holes without dropping any shots before her difficulties on the 17th green. Her final round score was a four-under 69. Hull’s strong play throughout the week, despite physical and mental exhaustion, saw her, as the World No. 6, contend for her first win in England.
This late four-putt on the 17th ultimately allowed Huang to secure the win. Huang’s final round included three birdies and two bogeys, culminating in her decisive eagle on the 18th. Hull’s week concluded with another challenging loss in a year that has featured several near-misses.
Source: golf.com