Full Breakdown
Charley Hull's Record-Equalling Surge Falls Short at 2026 U.S. Women’s Open
6/10/2026, 12:11:11 AM
Final Round Surge and Near Victory
Charley Hull opened the final round at Riviera Country Club with an eagle and a birdie, carding a 67 after a third-round 65. The 132-stroke total tied Meg Mallon’s 2004 record and left Hull at seven-under, one stroke behind the champion identified by most outlets as Nelly Korda.
Hull’s Major Runner-Up Record
The Riviera result marked Hull’s fifth major runner-up finish. Earlier runner-up finishes include the 2016 ANA Inspiration, the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open, the 2023 Women’s British Open and the 2025 Women’s British Open. She remains most recent Englishwoman to contend for a major title since Georgia Hall’s 2018 win.
Key Figures
Charley Hull – World No. 7, 30-year-old English professional known for aggressive play.
Nelly Korda – World No. 1 who secured her fourth major and second consecutive major of the 2026 season.
Karen Stupples – 2004 AIG Women’s Open champion who publicly backs Hull’s chances of winning a major.
Tournament Statistics
Hull’s 65-67 weekend matched the 132-stroke record. She finished at seven-under, ten putts fewer than her previous two rounds combined. The runner-up finish lifted Hull to fourth in the world rankings, tied with Gaby Lopez at seven-under.
Official Reactions
Hull described her Sunday performance as “free golf,” emphasizing a shift from cautious early-round play to an all-out approach. She also voiced frustration at another runner-up finish, noting emotional toll of repeated near-wins. Stupples expressed confidence that Hull will capture a major, suggesting a rivalry with Korda could heighten interest in the sport.
Significance and Future Outlook
Hull’s proximity to a major title underscores a pivotal stage in her career and highlights the depth of competition on the LPGA Tour. A rivalry with Korda may attract audience interest and shape upcoming events, including the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Solheim Cup later this year.
Conflicting Reports
BBC, Just Women’s Sports and Sky Sports name Nelly Korda as the 2026 champion, while Daily Club Golf reports Japanese golfer Miyu Yamashita as the winner by two strokes. No tournament statement has been cited to resolve this discrepancy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I love playing golf like that.” — Charley Hull, English professional golfer
- “I feel like sometimes, the first two days, I'm in a 'keep my head in the game' [mentality]. You can't go for everything because it's just early on, but now I have nothing to lose. I can just go at everything and play free golf like I do at home and it's more fun.” — Charley Hull
- “It's just frustrating. Another second place. I think that's five second place finishes I've had in majors now,” — Charley Hull
- “There is not a single doubt in my mind that she is going to win a major,” — Karen Stupples, former AIG Women’s Open champion
