Iturrioz Denies Hull as Spaniard Claims Maiden Houston Championship Title
HOUSTON, TX – In a dramatic finish to the Aramco Houston Championship, Spain's Nuria Iturrioz held her nerve to secure her maiden professional victory, carding a final round 68 to finish two shots ahead of a chasing pack that included England's Charley Hull, who had to settle for a share of second place.
The 27-year-old Mallorcan, who began the final day with a slender one-shot lead, showcased remarkable composure on the challenging Champions Golf Club layout. As the pressure mounted, Iturrioz responded with a display of controlled aggression, sinking crucial putts and navigating the tricky Bermuda greens with aplomb. Her victory marks a significant milestone in her career, finally breaking through to claim a coveted LPGA Tour title.
For Charley Hull, it was another near miss on the LPGA Tour. The Englishwoman, who has been in resurgent form this season, looked poised to challenge for the lead throughout the final round. Her powerful driving and aggressive approach play kept her in contention, but a few missed opportunities on the greens proved costly. She ultimately finished tied for second alongside Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit and France's Celine Boutier, all at 10 under par.
Iturrioz's Triumphant Round: A Masterclass in Nerves of Steel
Iturrioz's journey to the winner's circle wasn't without its anxious moments. After a solid front nine that saw her extend her lead, a couple of bogeys on the back nine, including a dropped shot at the par-5 16th, opened the door for her rivals. However, Iturrioz refused to buckle. A clutch birdie on the 17th, a challenging par-3, restored her advantage, and she calmly parred the 18th to seal her victory.
"It feels incredible," Iturrioz beamed after lifting the trophy, her voice tinged with emotion. "I've worked so hard for this moment. To win on the LPGA Tour, it's a dream come true. I knew I had to play my best golf today, and I'm so proud of how I handled the pressure, especially on the back nine."
Her caddie, Juan Luis, who has been with her for several years, was visibly delighted. "Nuria has a fantastic temperament," he commented. "She has the ability, and today she showed the mental strength to go with it. This is a huge win for her, and I'm just so happy to be a part of it."
Hull's Frustration: So Close, Yet So Far
Charley Hull, who has been one of the standout performers of the season, will undoubtedly be disappointed not to have converted her strong position into a victory. She started the day just one shot behind Iturrioz and quickly birdied the second hole to draw level. However, she couldn't quite maintain that momentum. Bogeys on the fourth and seventh holes put her momentarily behind, but she battled back with birdies on the 10th and 13th.
"It's frustrating, of course," Hull admitted, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "You always want to win, don't you? I felt like I played well enough today, but a couple of putts just didn't drop when I needed them to. That's golf, though. You have to take your chances, and today I didn't quite do that enough."
Despite the disappointment of not securing her first LPGA Tour win since 2016, Hull's performance at the Houston Championship is a testament to her resurgence. Her consistent play and fighting spirit have made her a genuine contender week in and week out. This second-place finish will undoubtedly fuel her determination for the remainder of the season.
A Strong Field Battles for Supremacy
The Aramco Houston Championship, a relatively new addition to the LPGA Tour schedule, once again attracted a high-calibre field, eager to test their skills on the historic Champions Golf Club. The course, known for its challenging contours and fast greens, proved a stern test for all competitors.
Patty Tavatanakit, the 2021 ANA Inspiration champion, showed flashes of her winning form, carding a final round 69 to join Hull in the tie for second. Her powerful ball-striking and aggressive style were on full display, and she will be pleased with her performance, signaling her readiness for future major championships.
Celine Boutier, another consistent performer on the LPGA Tour, also posted a 69 in the final round to secure her share of the runner-up position. Her steady play and excellent putting have become a hallmark of her game, and she continues to be a strong contender on any given Sunday.
Other notable performances came from American duo Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz, who finished in a tie for fifth place at 9 under par. Korda, a former world number one, continues to build momentum after her return from injury, while Corpuz showcased her growing talent with a strong showing throughout the week.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Iturrioz and Hull
For Nuria Iturrioz, this victory is a career-defining moment. It validates her hard work and dedication, and it will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to her confidence as she continues to compete on the LPGA Tour. The challenge now will be to build on this success and establish herself as a consistent winner.
For Charley Hull, the focus remains on breaking that LPGA Tour victory drought. While the second-place finish is a positive result, the taste of a win is what she craves. Her current form suggests it's only a matter of time, but the competition on the LPGA Tour is fierce, and every tournament presents a new challenge.
The Aramco Houston Championship delivered another exciting conclusion, showcasing the depth of talent on the LPGA Tour and providing a memorable victory for Nuria Iturrioz. As the tour moves on, the storylines of Iturrioz's breakthrough and Hull's persistent pursuit of another win will undoubtedly be ones to watch closely.
You must be logged in to post a comment.