I was so disappointed that Charley Hull was unable to claim her first Major title at the AIG Women’s Open. It was such a great effort, she played some incredible golf, and I really thought it was going to be her time. It would have been amazing to see her lift the trophy in front of a home crowd and for Brits to ride the wave of her victory to help drive momentum for the women’s game. But it was not to be, and just in case you missed it, fair dues to the winner, 25-year-old Lilia Vu. She began the final day tied with Charley on -9, but broke away from the chasing pack and carded a final round 67, to finish on -14 and 6 shots clear of Charley to win her second Major of the year.
Charley and Lilia also did well to keep their focus after play was interrupted when Money Rebellion protestors stormed the 17th green, targeting the tournament’s sponsor by setting off flares and holding up banners saying, “AIG is a climate criminal” and ‘AIG stop insuring climate crisis.’ Poor Charley, who told The Telegraph, “I suffer from asthma but didn’t have my inhaler on me and that stuff was really thick, so no it was not nice.”
As I suggested in another chat, I do hope some of you managed to get to Walton Heath because being up close and seeing how golf should be played is always inspiring. As I was working in the media centre, I didn’t get out on the course as much as I’d like, but from what I did see, it’s made me keen to go out and play this weekend. What I noticed most are the pure strikes and the lovely sound off the clubface. I know most of my shots don’t sound like that and are more of a thud!
Overall, I felt it was a superb tournament with some marked improvements on previous years, especially the layout of the new festival-style village, which had a real family atmosphere with plenty going on. The shop was kitted out well, but I always think it’s such a shame that brand partners have exclusivity and there are not more opportunities for women to shop. That’s what we love, right? It’s all part of a day out! I missed out on the Ellie Goulding concert on Saturday evening, but by all accounts, she rocked Walton Heath and I’m looking forward to seeing who will be lined up for St Andrews next year.
Happy golfing come rain or shine!
Alison
Image Ladies European Tour