Charley Hull’s near-miss at the US Women’s Open wasn’t just another runner-up finish—it was a statement. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how Hull’s all-out aggression almost flipped the script on a tournament traditionally won through caution. The US Open is notorious for punishing boldness, yet Hull’s weekend charge, capped by a record-equalling 132, proved that sometimes the line between glory and heartbreak is razor-thin. What many people don’t realize is that her approach isn’t just about raw talent; it’s a mindset shift. Her mantra, ‘shy girls don’t get sweets,’ evolved into a more unfiltered, ‘go for it’ philosophy, and it’s this fearless attitude that has her knocking on the door of a major win.
The Aggression Paradox
Hull’s strategy is a double-edged sword. On one hand, her weekend heroics—like that eagle-birdie start in the final round—are electrifying. From my perspective, this kind of play not only excites fans but also redefines what’s possible in a major. Yet, it’s her putting that tells the fuller story. Despite crucial misses on the back nine, she shaved 10 putts off her first two rounds, a detail that I find especially interesting. It suggests that while her aggression is her strength, it’s the finer margins—those missed putts—that keep her just shy of victory. If you take a step back and think about it, her approach isn’t flawed; it’s incomplete. She’s missing the measured precision that Nelly Korda, the winner, embodies.
Korda’s Masterclass in Pragmatism
Speaking of Korda, her victory wasn’t just about skill—it was about patience. What this really suggests is that majors aren’t won by brilliance alone but by the ability to grind. Korda’s reliance on her caddie, Jason McDede, to stay focused on ‘one shot at a time’ is a lesson in mental fortitude. Her scrambling prowess and improved putting, despite early doubts, highlight a player who knows how to win when it matters most. This raises a deeper question: Can Hull’s all-attack style ever truly compete with Korda’s calculated approach? Or does she need to blend the two?
The Psychology of Near-Misses
Hull’s fifth runner-up finish in majors isn’t a curse—it’s a pattern. One thing that immediately stands out is her self-awareness. She admits to struggling with motivation in regular tournaments but thrives under major pressure. This isn’t just about talent; it’s about mindset. Her ability to ‘play free golf’ when the stakes are highest is rare, yet it’s also her Achilles’ heel. In my opinion, her near-misses aren’t failures but stepping stones. The way she calmly sank that 10-footer on the final hole, knowing it might decide the title, shows she has the nerve. What she lacks is the consistency Korda brings to every round.
The Future of Women’s Golf
This tournament wasn’t just about Hull or Korda—it was a showcase of the evolving dynamics in women’s golf. Hull’s aggression and Korda’s pragmatism represent two sides of the sport’s future. Personally, I think the most exciting development is how these contrasting styles are pushing each other to new heights. Hull’s fans, myself included, would love to see her break through, but I also wonder if her breakthrough requires a tactical shift. Meanwhile, Korda’s dominance—four wins and three runner-ups in 2026—is rewriting the record books. What makes this particularly fascinating is how their rivalry, though unspoken, is elevating the entire sport.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on the tournament, I’m struck by how much it revealed about both players. Hull’s near-miss wasn’t a failure; it was a declaration that she’s closer than ever. Korda’s win, meanwhile, wasn’t just about skill—it was about the mental game. If you take a step back and think about it, their approaches are two sides of the same coin. Hull’s aggression brings out her best, but Korda’s patience ensures she finishes on top. In my opinion, Hull doesn’t need to abandon her style—she just needs to refine it. And if she does? Well, that’s when we’ll see her finally lift a major trophy. Until then, her near-misses aren’t just close calls; they’re chapters in a story that’s far from over.
