Charley Hull Ascends to World No. 3, Marking Historic Milestone for English Golf
In a landmark achievement for English golf, Charley Hull has soared to a career-high world No. 3 in the latest Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, as reported by sportsamo.com. This remarkable ascent represents the highest-ever position attained by an Englishwoman in the 20-year history of the prestigious rankings, solidifying Hull’s status as one of the sport’s truly elite talents.
Hull’s meteoric rise was fueled by her dominant performance at the Ladies European Tour’s season-opening PIF Saudi Ladies International. On a thrilling Saturday, the 28-year-old delivered a masterful final-round 65, an exhibition of clutch play and aggressive precision that ultimately secured a one-shot victory over formidable contenders Akie Iwai and Casandra Alexander. This triumph not only marked her first title of what promises to be an electrifying 2026 season but also underscored her burgeoning confidence and honed skill set.
The victory in Riyadh was Hull’s fifth Ladies European Tour title, a testament to her consistent excellence on the continental circuit. This latest success follows a pivotal moment in her career last September when she clinched the Kroger Queen City Championship on the LPGA Tour. That win, achieved after a dramatic final-hole collapse by then-world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, signaled Hull’s readiness to compete and win at the highest echelons of global women’s golf. The back-to-back high-profile victories have unequivocally propelled her into the sport’s upper crust, justifying her career-high world ranking.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The official Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking standings, released on Monday, saw Hull climb two crucial spots from fifth to third. In doing so, she leapfrogged two major champions: KPMG Women’s PGA Championship winner Minjee Lee and AIG Women’s Open champion Miyu Yamashita. This move places her directly behind only Jeeno Thitikul and Nelly Korda, two of the most dominant forces in contemporary women’s golf. The narrow margin separating her from the top spot underscores the intense competition at the pinnacle of the sport and sets the stage for a compelling season as Hull eyes the ultimate goal of becoming England’s first female world No. 1.
Reflecting on her win in Riyadh, Hull expressed a deep satisfaction with her early-season form. “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 remarked. This dedication in the off-season clearly paid dividends, manifesting in a performance that combined resilience with moments of sheer brilliance. Her commitment to preparation, both physical and mental, has been a recurring theme in her recent successes, allowing her to capitalize on crucial opportunities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Hull’s achievement is not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of a period of sustained high performance. Since early June, she has not finished worse than tied-21st in any tournament, a remarkable streak of consistency in professional golf. This impressive run includes a runner-up finish at the prestigious AIG Women’s Open last summer, a performance that highlighted her capability to contend for major championships. Furthermore, she added three additional worldwide top-fives during the latter half of 2025, demonstrating her ability to regularly challenge for titles across various tours and continents. Her aggressive yet calculated playing style, often characterized by powerful drives and a fearless approach to attacking pins, has become her hallmark, endearing her to fans and intimidating opponents.
The broader landscape of English women’s golf also shines brightly, with Hull being one of two Englishwomen currently inside the world’s top 10. The other rising star is Lottie Woad, who, at 29 years old, enjoyed a breakthrough maiden season in 2025 after turning professional and currently occupies the world No. 8 spot. This dual presence at the pinnacle of the rankings signals a golden era for English women’s golf, providing a strong foundation for future Solheim Cup teams and inspiring a new generation of players.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
The Mashed Potato Power-Up: How Hull Conquered Saudi
The final day of the PIF Saudi Ladies International presented a significant challenge for Hull. Starting three shots off the 54-hole lead and in a tie for 11th place, she needed something special to contend. What followed was a masterclass in aggressive golf and a memorable anecdote that added a touch of Hull’s unique personality. Her final round was an eventful rollercoaster, featuring an eagle, seven birdies, and two bogeys, a testament to her all-or-nothing approach.
The turning point in her round, and perhaps the tournament, came on the back nine. A spectacular birdie-eagle-birdie run from the 11th hole propelled her up the leaderboard with breathtaking speed. She then followed this explosive burst with two more crucial birdies over her final four holes, setting an unassailable clubhouse target. This dramatic charge secured her second victory in Riyadh, having previously won the 2024 Aramco Team Series event in the same vibrant city. Her comfort and success on these courses clearly played a role in her strategic advantage.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
The secret to her back-nine surge? A rather unconventional fuel source. “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,” Hull quipped after her victory. This candid and charming revelation offers a glimpse into her relaxed, yet fiercely competitive, demeanor. It’s a moment that resonates with fans, showing that even elite athletes have their unique routines and unexpected motivations. Beyond the course, Hull also shared a personal motivation for her success: “My house renovation is pretty much done, so I needed that win! I’m looking forward to getting settled into my house in a couple of weeks when it’s all done and celebrate my birthday.” Such personal insights connect her journey to everyday experiences, making her achievements even more relatable.
Charley Hull’s ascent to world No. 3 is a testament to her talent, hard work, and an unyielding desire to win. With the momentum from her historic ranking and recent victories, the golfing world eagerly anticipates her pursuit of the coveted world No. 1 spot. The coming months will present numerous opportunities on both the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour for Hull to continue her charge, solidify her legacy, and potentially etch her name even deeper into the annals of golf history. Her journey is not just about rankings and titles; it’s about pushing boundaries, inspiring a nation, and showcasing the very best of English golf on the global stage.
Watch the LET and LPGA Tours, majors and more throughout the season live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.
