England’s Charley Hull produced one of the most dramatic victories of her career on Sunday, capturing the Queen City Championship.
for her third LPGA Tour title. The 29-year-old overcame world number one Jeeno Thitikul on the final hole at TPC River’s Bend in Ohio, capitalizing on a late collapse by her rival to secure her first win since 2022.
Heading into the par-five 18th hole, Hull trailed by one shot. Both players reached the green in two, setting up what looked to be a tight finish. Thitikul, known for her reliable putting and ranked among the finest on the tour in that department, faced a birdie putt inside six feet that could have sealed the title. Instead, nerves took over. The Thai golfer left her first attempt short, then agonizingly pushed both her birdie and par putts past the hole, carding a bogey in stunning fashion.
Hull, who had missed her eagle chance moments earlier, now faced a two-foot putt for birdie. Though visibly shaken, she converted calmly, clinching the championship with a 20-under-par total and claiming the $300,000 (£221,340) winner’s purse. “I wasn’t really watching her putt for birdie because I thought she was going to hole it,” Hull admitted afterward, adding that she was “shaking” over her own short putt that ultimately secured victory.
The result represents a major accomplishment for Hull, who had been runner-up in her last two tournaments. At times, Sunday’s final round seemed destined to deliver her a third consecutive near miss. She began the day with a one-shot lead over Thitikul, extending that advantage to two at the turn with steady play. But momentum shifted on the back nine.
Thitikul birdied the 11th hole to stay close, and when Hull dropped a shot at the 13th, the world number one seized the lead by birdieing the 14th. Hull showed her resilience with a birdie on the 16th, only to stumble again on the 17th with another bogey. That left Thitikul one shot ahead going into the last, setting the stage for the decisive collapse.
The Thai star, who won earlier this season at Liberty National in Jersey City, had been hoping to become the first multiple winner on the LPGA Tour this year. Instead, her four-putt bogey paved the way for Hull’s victory and will be remembered as one of the season’s most unexpected endings.
England’s rising star Lottie Woad also made headlines with a strong performance in Ohio. The 21-year-old, who captured the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open earlier this year, fired a six-under-par 66 in the final round, her best score of the week. That surge lifted her to 18-under overall, finishing one shot behind Thitikul in third place. Reflecting on her round, Woad said she “gave it a good run on the front nine” and was pleased to stay aggressive throughout the day.
For Hull, the Queen City victory represents more than just another addition to her résumé. Following her success at the Volunteers of America Classic in October 2022, Hull faced difficulties in closing tournaments, despite frequently being in the running. The achievement in Ohio concludes the anticipation, enhancing her drive as she approaches the final phase of the season.
Moments of brilliance and periods of close calls have frequently characterized the Englishwoman’s career.
With three LPGA Tour titles now under her belt, Hull remains a central figure in the European contingent competing at the highest level of women’s golf.
The LPGA Tour now moves to Arkansas for the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, a 54-hole event that promises another opportunity for both seasoned players and rising stars to make their mark.
