Charley Hull's near-miss at the US Women's Open is a testament to her resilience and determination, but it also highlights the fine line between success and failure in major golf tournaments. Hull's all-out attack strategy, while exhilarating, ultimately fell just short of victory, leaving her with a silver medal and a growing list of runner-up finishes.
Hull's performance at the Riviera Country Club was a record-equalling charge, with a weekend total of 132, matching Meg Mallon's championship record set in 2004. Her aggressive approach, fueled by the mantra of 'shy girls don't get sweets', resulted in a thrilling closing 67, with an eagle and a birdie in the first three holes. However, it was her performance on the greens that truly stood out, with a vastly improved 63 putts in the first two rounds, compared to 10 putts better in the final two circuits.
Despite her near-miss, Hull's fans remain optimistic about her future success. Her two runner-up finishes in the past three majors and eight top-20s in the past 11 tournaments attest to her growing prowess in the game. Her love for playing in the majors and her ability to make a massive charge when she makes the cut make her a force to be reckoned with.
In contrast, Nelly Korda, the world number one, showcased a more pragmatic approach to winning her fourth major title. Her reliance on caddie Jason McDede and her focus on one shot at a time, rather than the leaderboard, proved to be a winning strategy. Korda's composure and ability to get up and down, even in challenging conditions, ultimately saw her claim victory.
The US Women's Open at the Riviera Country Club was a classic test of every aspect of the game, both technically and mentally. The sticky approaches and sloping putting surfaces presented unique challenges, with Korda's extra height and composure proving to be the difference. While Hull's aggression brings out the best in her, she may benefit from embracing some of Korda's more measured qualities in future major attempts.
In conclusion, Hull's near-miss serves as a reminder of the fine line between success and failure in major golf tournaments. Her resilience and determination, coupled with her aggressive approach, make her a formidable competitor. However, it is Korda's composure and pragmatic approach that ultimately saw her claim victory, highlighting the importance of a balanced strategy in the pursuit of major glory.
