Pro golfer Charley Hull’s recent success at The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican can be attributed in part to a friendly bet she made with her boyfriend. Before teeing off in her opening round, they agreed that for every five birdies Hull made, they would add an extra day to their upcoming European holiday. This playful side bet helped Hull focus and incited her to strive for 10 birdies throughout the tournament. Her opening round score of 6-under 64 put her in contention for a well-deserved holiday at the end of the year.
Hull’s boyfriend had previously challenged her during a LET tournament in Saudi Arabia to reach 3 under after three holes in the final round. While she didn’t achieve that exact goal, she finished with a 6-under 66 to secure her first title in two years. Reflecting on her recent success, Hull noted that she had been playing exceptionally well all year but had forgotten how to win. The victory served as a reminder and boosted her confidence going forward.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda is also in the mix at The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, sitting in a share of third place at 4 under. Meanwhile, Brittany Lincicome, who is participating in her final event as a full-time player, opened with a 70 after a challenging front nine. Despite early struggles, Lincicome managed to recover on the back nine and posted a score of 32.
Charley Hull’s recent strong performances have come after a shoulder injury in July that prompted her to focus on her recovery and return to form. In her last four LPGA starts, she has consistently finished inside the top 20, including an impressive victory over Nelly Korda at the Solheim Cup. Following a brief break in England, Hull’s refreshed mindset contributed to her success at the Maybank Championship and subsequent LET victory.
During the first round at Pelican Golf Club, Hull experienced discomfort in her hips and sought the assistance of a physiotherapist to address the issue. Despite feeling under the weather and experiencing stomach pains, she powered through the round and maintained her strong performance. Hull believes that pain is a mental weakness that can be overcome by focusing on the task at hand.
Looking ahead, Charley Hull is determined to continue her winning streak and maintain her strong form on the course. Her recent victories and consistent top finishes reflect her dedication to the sport and her resilience in overcoming obstacles. With the support of her boyfriend and a positive mindset, Hull is poised for continued success in the competitive world of professional golf.
