Charley Hull eyes maiden major win at AIG Women's Open

Charley Hull is determined to break her major championship duck at this week's AIG Women's Open, hosted at the renowned Royal Lytham & St Annes links. The English golfer, who has five times finished as runner-up in majors, sees this event as a prime opportunity to claim her first major title.

“

He was like, 'I've never won one of these things, but today could be my lucky day.' And he was scratching it, scratching it, scratching it, and then his face dropped.

Hull, currently ranked world number seven, began the week with a lighthearted prank on her caddie, Adam Woodward, but her focus is firmly on the serious challenge ahead. She hopes to emulate the success of fellow Britons Catriona Matthew and Georgia Hall, who have previously won this prestigious tournament when staged at Lytham.

“

I think he nearly quit the job then. I felt really bad.

Reflecting on her past major performances, Hull described the near-misses as "frustrating." She acknowledged the pressure that can accompany these high-stakes events but pointed to her strong finishes, such as her performance at the recent US Open, as evidence of her capability to win. Her final-round charge at Royal Porthcawl last year, where she finished second, also highlights her competitive spirit.

“

Frustrating, very frustrating. I feel like people can add a bit of pressure on you sometimes as well because I am human at the end of the day.

Despite a mixed season, including a win at the Saudi Ladies International earlier in the year, Hull considers her second-place finish at the US Open as a season highlight. She anticipates a demanding mental test at Lytham, compounded by lingering injury concerns, but remains hopeful of finally achieving her major breakthrough.

“

If you look at the putt on 17 I had to hole and then on 18. And on that 18th hole, I hit a lovely, lovely, shot into the green. It was a pitching wedge that went over 175 yards.