Hull Secures Third LPGA Crown in Queen City Stunner; Thitikul's Final Hole Woes Open Door
Cincinnati, OH – The Queen City Championship delivered a breathtaking finale on Sunday, one that will be etched in LPGA lore for years to come. England's Charley Hull, a picture of steely resolve, clinched her third LPGA Tour title in dramatic fashion, capitalizing on a shocking collapse from world number one Atthaya Thitikul on the 18th hole at Kenwood Country Club.
What appeared to be a near-certain victory for the Thai phenom dissolved into a four-putt nightmare, gifting Hull, who had birdied the final hole herself, a one-stroke triumph and a moment of hard-earned celebration.
A Tale of Two Final Holes
The tension on the 18th tee was palpable, a scene befitting a major championship. Thitikul, holding a one-stroke lead and seemingly in control of her destiny, stepped up to face the par-5. Hull, playing in the group ahead, had just sunk a crucial birdie putt to set the clubhouse target at 17-under par. The script was written for a thrilling playoff, or perhaps a decisive Thitikul birdie to seal the deal.
But golf, as we know, is a game of unpredictable twists and turns. Thitikul’s approach shot found the green in two, but the real drama unfolded on the putting surface. A seemingly straightforward birdie opportunity turned into a compounding series of errors. Two putts from distance left her agonizingly close, but the next two strokes, intended to secure her par, failed to find the bottom of the cup, resulting in a devastating double-bogey six. The collective gasp from the crowd was audible, a stark contrast to the roars that had accompanied Hull’s earlier triumph.
Hull, who had finished her round moments before Thitikul’s dramatic falter, was in the media tent, preparing for what she anticipated would be a playoff. “I heard the crowd, and I thought, ‘Oh, what’s happened there?’” Hull confessed afterwards, a mixture of relief and disbelief on her face. “I honestly thought I was going to have to play off. It’s… I don’t know. It’s golf, isn’t it? It’s crazy.”
Hull's Resilience Shines Through
Hull’s victory is a testament to her own unwavering nerve and a season of consistent, high-level play. The 27-year-old from Kettering has been knocking on the door of another win, and this breakthrough at the Queen City Championship feels particularly significant. Her final round 66, punctuated by that clutch birdie on 18, showcased the grit that has defined her career.
“I’m absolutely chuffed,” Hull beamed, clutching the trophy. “It feels amazing. I’ve been working so hard, and to finally get this win, especially in this way, is just… it’s unbelievable. I knew I had to make birdie on the last hole to give myself a chance, and I just focused on hitting a good putt.”
This marks Hull's third LPGA Tour victory, adding to her triumphs at the 2016 Women's Australian Open and the 2021 Volunteers of America Classic. It’s a milestone that underscores her status as one of the leading figures in women's golf. Her performance throughout the week, characterized by solid driving and a sharp short game, proved she was a serious contender from the outset.
Thitikul's Uncharacteristic Meltdown
For Atthaya Thitikul, the defeat is undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a stellar year, solidifying her position as the world number one with a string of impressive performances. Her composure and skill have become hallmarks of her game, making Sunday's putting woes all the more surprising.
“It’s a tough finish,” a visibly disappointed Thitikul stated, her voice subdued. “I’m not sure what happened on the green. I just didn’t hit good putts. It’s frustrating, of course, but I have to learn from this and move on. This is golf, and sometimes it doesn’t go your way.”
Her four-putt on the final hole is a rare occurrence for a player of her caliber and will likely be a source of introspection. However, her overall performance in Cincinnati, where she held the lead for much of the tournament, still points to a player with immense talent and a bright future. It’s a stark reminder that even the best can falter under pressure.
A Tournament of Upsets and Aspirations
The Queen City Championship, in its inaugural year under this sponsorship, has certainly made a memorable debut. Beyond the dramatic finish, the tournament provided a platform for many players to showcase their skills and chase their LPGA dreams. The challenging Kenwood Country Club course tested the field throughout the week, demanding precision and strategic play.
Hull’s victory is not just a personal triumph; it’s an inspiration to aspiring golfers worldwide. It demonstrates that with dedication, resilience, and a touch of luck, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. The image of Hull raising the trophy, a mixture of joy and sheer disbelief on her face, will be a lasting memory of this electrifying Queen City Championship.
As the LPGA Tour continues its season, Charley Hull will undoubtedly carry this momentum forward. For Atthaya Thitikul, the focus will be on regrouping and reaffirming her dominance. But for now, the headlines belong to Charley Hull, the Queen City Champion, who triumphed in the most dramatic of circumstances.
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