England’s Charley Hull produced a sensational closing stretch to capture the PIF Saudi Ladies International by a single shot and secure her fifth Ladies European Tour title.
The 29 year old world number five fired a superb seven under par 65, picking up six shots across her final eight holes. A remarkable eagle at the par five 12th, followed by a birdie at the last, proved decisive as she set the clubhouse target at 19 under.
Hull was forced to endure an anxious wait alongside South Africa’s Casandra Alexander, who briefly shared the lead. However, a costly three putt bogey at the 17th left Alexander needing a birdie at the final hole to force a play off. Her effort slid by, handing Hull a dramatic victory.
Late fireworks prove decisive
Starting the day three shots adrift, Hull made the turn in two under before momentum briefly stalled with a dropped shot at the 10th. What followed was a burst of world class golf.
A stunning 60 foot eagle putt at the 12th ignited her charge and she added further birdies at the 15th and 18th to pile the pressure on the chasing pack.
Japan’s Akie Iwai, who had threatened with a hot putter, fell back after a three putt bogey at the 17th. Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and South Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi shared fourth on 17 under, while Alexander and Iwai finished tied for second.
Strong start to the new season
Victory at Riyadh Golf Club earns Hull a winner’s cheque of 750000 dollars and marks a perfect start to her 2026 campaign. It also returns her to the winner’s circle at a venue where she previously tasted LET success in 2024.
Speaking after being informed of her triumph on the practice green, Hull said: “Hooray, at least I can pay my house off now. I have worked really hard this off season so it is nice to get a result straight away. It is one of the bigger events on the LET and it feels a bit like a home event for me.”
England’s Mimi Rhodes, who opened with a sparkling 64 to lead after round one, closed with a 67 to finish tied for sixth on 16 under. The 24 year old will also take confidence from a performance that strengthens her early bid for a place in September’s Solheim Cup.
