Charley Hull hits historic world number three ranking after Saudi win
Charley Hull has become the highest-ranked Englishwoman in history after climbing to world number three following her victory at the PIF Saudi Ladies International.
The 29-year-old climbed two places in the standings released on Monday to surpass the previous best mark by a compatriot in the system’s 20-year existence.
She leapfrogged major champions Minjee Lee and Miyu Yamashita to sit behind only Jeeno Thitikul and Nelly Korda in the global pecking order.
Season-opening success in Riyadh
Hull’s historic rise follows a dramatic one-shot victory at the Ladies European Tour (LET) season opener on Saturday.
A final-round 65 secured the title ahead of Japan’s Akie Iwai and South Africa’s Casandra Alexander.
It marks a fifth title on the European circuit for the consistent ball-striker.
The victory adds to a rich vein of form that saw her win the Kroger Queen City Championship on the LPGA Tour in September.
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Hull was three shots off the lead after 54 holes but charged up the leaderboard on the final day.
Her round included an eagle and seven birdies, with a significant surge on the back nine attributed to an unusual mid-round snack.
After nine holes I ran into the toilet and also got some mashed potatoes, so I don’t know if that gave me a bit of power for the back nine.
Charley Hull, World Number Three
The English star noted that her off-season preparation had paid immediate dividends.
“I worked really hard this off-season, so it’s nice to get a result pretty much straight away and it’s one of the bigger events on the LET,” she said.
English contingent rising
Hull has not finished outside the top 21 in any event since early June, a run that includes a runner-up spot at the AIG Women’s Open.
She is joined in the world’s top 10 by compatriot Lottie Woad, who sits at number eight following a breakthrough maiden season as a professional.
With house renovations nearly complete, Hull is now eyeing further success to close the gap on world number one Thitikul.
“My house renovation is pretty much done, so I needed that win,” Hull added.
“I’m looking forward to getting settled into my house in a couple of weeks when it’s all done and celebrate my birthday.”