Charley Hull Leads at AIG Women’s Open Amid High Winds

For the first time in 45 years, the distinctive figure of Laura Davies is not participating in the AIG Women’s Open. However, the event is still showcasing the talent of current and future English women golfers. Leading the field after the opening round is Charley Hull.

The leaderboard features the defending champion, Lilia Vu, who carded a score of 69, and world No. 1, Nelly Korda, with a score of 68. Charley Hull, at 28 years old, impressed the crowd with a five-under-par score of 67, the best among the English participants.

It was a challenging day characterized by difficult weather conditions, with winds exceeding 40mph before lunch. Hull, however, made the most of the conditions as she recorded five birdies, overshadowing a single bogey on her scorecard. Her performance concluded with a broad smile after her final putt on the 18th hole.

<p“It was loads of fun out there,” Hull expressed. “Watching television this morning, I would have taken four-under par. So five is great. Yes, the last three holes made it a bit easier.”

Georgia Hall, who finished her round with a score of 71, also enjoyed the experience despite the tough weather. On the other hand, Gemma Dryburgh struggled, finishing with a score of 79, voicing her discontent with the course conditions.

<pHall described the venue as her favorite course in the world, noting, “Today was definitely some of the toughest weather I’ve played in. And probably the windiest. It was such a battle. But I love those conditions.”

<pDespite the challenges, she felt fulfilled with her performance, especially after finishing her round with an eagle on the par-four 9th hole.

<pIn contrast, 20-year-old Lottie Woad, after starting with a bogey on the 10th hole, managed to secure three birdies in her last four holes, finishing the day at even par. She aims to remain competitive through the weekend.