Quick Read
- Charley Hull won the Kroger Queen City Championship, her third LPGA title.
- Hull was invited to Windsor Castle’s State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and attended by President Donald Trump.
- She became the first Englishwoman to break into golf’s world top five since 2006.
- Hull made a comeback after a month-long ankle injury.
From Injury to Glory: Hull’s Winning Return
For England’s Charley Hull, the past week has been a whirlwind—one that many athletes only dream of. After a month sidelined by an ankle injury, Hull returned to the LPGA Tour with something to prove. On Saturday, at the Kroger Queen City Championship in Maineville, Ohio, she delivered a masterclass in resilience and precision. Shooting a 5-under-par 67, Hull climbed to the top of the leaderboard, setting the stage for a nail-biting final round.
The atmosphere at TPC River’s Bend was tense. Known for its undulating, demanding greens, the course has rattled even the steadiest professionals. Yet Hull, with her trademark composure, seemed unfazed. “I don’t even think like that in depth. I just hit a ball and find it and hit it again, you know what I mean?” Hull told reporters after her round, her casual approach belying the intensity of the competition.
Her performance was nothing short of remarkable. After a slow start—1-over through six holes—Hull caught fire, reeling off six birdies, including back-to-back gems on Holes 11 and 12. By day’s end, she held a slim one-stroke lead over World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, with Japan’s Chisato Iwai and Miyu Yamashita two strokes behind. The field was stacked, and the pressure was mounting.
The Final Push: Hull Clinches Her Third LPGA Title
Sunday’s final round was filled with drama. World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul was in hot pursuit, but Hull’s consistency held strong. The championship’s closing holes saw a surge of talent, with Nelly Korda producing a thrilling eagle on the 18th and Yealimi Noh firing a 64 to climb the leaderboard. But Hull, undistracted by the chase, kept her focus sharp. Her steady hand on the greens and fearless shot-making paid off—she clinched her third career LPGA title.
This victory was more than just another trophy. It marked Hull’s first win in the United States since 2022 and her triumphant return to form after injury. The win also propelled her into the top five of the world rankings, making her the first Englishwoman to achieve that feat since the rankings began in 2006.
Hull’s comments after the win reflected her philosophy: “It’s just a game. Hit a white ball at the pin. Make a birdie or make a par, make a bogey, whatever, just roll on to the next hole.” It’s an ethos that has defined her career—a blend of simplicity and grit.
Royal Recognition: An Evening at Windsor Castle
Just days after her victory, Hull’s week took another extraordinary turn. She was among 160 distinguished guests invited to Windsor Castle for a State Banquet hosted by King Charles III in honor of President Donald Trump. The event was held in the historic St George’s Hall, an opulent setting befitting the occasion.
Hull shared the spotlight with six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo, Dame Katherine Grainger—Britain’s most decorated Olympian—and other sporting luminaries. For Hull, the invitation was a personal milestone. “An unforgettable evening at Windsor Castle,” she posted on social media, adding, “It was an honor to be invited by the King and Queen to the State Banquet. And great to finally meet President Trump. One for the memory books.”
The evening was filled with light-hearted moments. King Charles referenced golf in his speech, teasing President Trump about his fondness for British courses. President Trump reciprocated with words of gratitude, acknowledging the honor of a second state visit. The banquet was not only a celebration of diplomacy but also a subtle nod to the role of sport in bridging cultures.
A Week to Remember: Hull’s Impact Beyond the Course
Hull’s busy schedule didn’t end at Windsor. After her LPGA win, she squeezed in a round at Wentworth, joining the aftermath of the BMA PGA Championship before heading to the royal dinner. Her presence at these events underscored her status as a leading figure in women’s golf and a role model for aspiring athletes.
Sir Nick Faldo, who attended the banquet alongside Hull, reflected on the significance of the gathering. Faldo, knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle in 2009, posted his own tribute to the evening, emphasizing the enduring connection between golf and British tradition.
Hull’s return to form after injury and her high-profile recognition at Windsor illustrate the powerful intersection of sport, resilience, and public life. She has shown that success on the course can translate into influence beyond it, inspiring the next generation of golfers.
The Road Ahead: Hull’s Unstoppable Momentum
As Hull looks forward, the challenges remain. The Kroger Queen City Championship revealed a competitive field, with rising stars from Asia, Europe, and the Americas all vying for supremacy. For Hull, the next tournaments will test her consistency and mental fortitude. Yet if the past week is any indication, she is more than ready.
Her journey is far from over. Hull’s recent achievements—her comeback victory, her ascent in the world rankings, and her recognition by British royalty—have cemented her place as one of golf’s most compelling figures.
The story of Charley Hull is one of resilience and quiet determination. She reminds us that sport is not just about winning, but about the pursuit, the setbacks, and the moments that linger long after the trophies are claimed.
Charley Hull’s week was a masterclass in perseverance and poise. Rising from injury to conquer a challenging LPGA field, and then moving seamlessly into the company of kings and presidents, Hull’s story exemplifies the reach and resonance of modern sport. Her achievements remind us that greatness is forged not just in victory, but in the ability to rise, adapt, and inspire—on and off the course.