As the golf season winds down, every player feels the pressure, especially when the scoreboard has been barren. Charley Hull knows this feeling all too well, having wrestled with a two-year winless streak. But in a twist, the Aramco Team Series in Riyadh became her long-awaited breakthrough, finally ending that drought and breathing new life into her season.

“I felt really sharp out there and I played steady all week,” said the 28-year-old who put on an almost flawless display of golf. With 14 birdies, an eagle, and no bogeys, Hull dominated the course wrapping up a bogey-free front nine, and a combined total of 16-under. “I love this golf course and I love coming to play golf in Saudi,” added Hull. 

While the Aramco Team Series falls under the Ladies European Tour (LET) rather than the LPGA, it still feeds into the Race to CME Globe points, making each win valuable. And although she missed clinching victory at the Maybank Championship earlier, Hull made up for it here, setting her up for an exciting run in the coming tournaments.

The year isn’t over yet. Though she’ll skip the upcoming Lotto Championship, she’s already focused on The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, running from November 14-17. And for the big finale, Hull will be back on familiar ground at the CME Group Tour Championship in Florida, November 21-24. “I won there in 2016, so I’ve got good memories of that place,” she reflected, with the hopes of a strong season finish, as per The Sporting News.

While her win in Riyadh wasn’t just about breaking her two-year winless streak, she broke something even tougher: a three-year habit of reaching for a cigarette before tournaments. So kudos to Hull, who is breaking records for the good.

Charley Hull conquered her addictions 

While her victory is a testament to sheer hard work and talent, there’s another side to Charley Hull’s win that can’t be overlooked: her resilience. This tournament wasn’t just any win, it was arguably tougher for Hull than for anyone else on the course.

Hull’s smoking habit has been no secret, and it’s often her way to ease her mind amidst the pressures of competition. But with the Aramco Team Series taking place in Saudi Arabia, Hull found herself in a tight spot, as the country’s strict anti-smoking policies presented an extra hurdle. Saudi Arabia has taken strong steps toward a smoke-free environment, banning smoking in many public areas. Indeed, it’s a bold and appreciable move for health but it did pose a challenge for Hull.

While her victory is a testament to her sheer hard work and talent, what we can’t overlook here is her resilience to win. For Hull, this wasn’t just about playing well; it was about adapting and pushing through without her go-to source of comfort. It’s a reminder of the hidden battles athletes often face and Hull’s determination to succeed, even when faced with personal hurdles, makes her win even more impressive.