A remarkable performance by Charley Hull marked the conclusion of her two-year winless streak on a global scale, as she emerged among the leaders after the opening round of the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF in Riyadh.
Seeking her first international victory since the Volunteers of America Classic in October 2022, the three-time Ladies European Tour champion recorded an impressive seven-under 65 at Riyadh Golf Club. With an eagle and six birdies on her scorecard, Hull reached eight under at one point during the day, but a bogey on her final hole prevented her from taking the outright lead.
She capitalized on the par-five 12th hole and followed a string of pars with a birdie on the par-three 17th. However, she fell back to seven under after failing to save par on the par-four 18th, unable to get up and down from off the green.
“It was a bit slow out there but it was good fun,” Hull reflected. “This course is very scorable, so a 60 is possible! If I could, I’d aim for a 58. I played solidly today and struck the ball well. It’s unfortunate about my putt on the last—it just bobbled.”
Hull also noted her improved distance off the tee, stating, “I’m hitting it a bit longer, so that’s a bonus. I’m feeling great, and I’m just going to go out there [tomorrow] and try to make even more birdies.”
Setting the initial clubhouse benchmark, Galmes recorded eight birdies along with a single bogey to finish her opening round with a 65. Babnik matched that score by closing her blemish-free round with a birdie on the final hole.
“I really enjoyed playing today,” Babnik commented. “I was just waiting for all my practice to come together, and today was the day. The course feels much more open compared to last week in India. I love this place and enjoy competing here.”
In the team standings, Chiara Tamburlini’s group, which includes Mimi Rhodes, Anne-Charlotte Mora, and amateur Tenniel Chun, boasts a five-shot lead after tying the Aramco Team Series record for the best 18-hole score at 23 under par.