Charley Hull got off to a strong start, taking the lead after the opening round of the Aramco Team Series (Riyadh) presented by PIF, ending a two-year winless streak around the world.
The three-time Ladies European Tour winner is seeking her first world title since the LPGA Tour’s Volunteers of America Classic in October 2022 and shot a 7-under 65 at Riyadh Golf Club.
Hull had an eagle and six birdies during an impressive opening day to temporarily sit at 8 under par, and only one bogey on the final hole of the day completely cut into her advantage.
The 28-year-old shared first place with Slovenia’s Pia Babnik and Spain’s Luna Sobron Galmes, while Solheim Cup star Carlota Ciganda finished second alongside Wales’ Lydia Hall and Sweden’s Moa Folke.
Hull recorded consecutive birdies from the third hole on the par-5 fifth hole, and the British woman grabbed additional shots on the seventh and ninth holes to surge to the 30th hole.
She continued to take advantage of the par-5 12th hole, hitting a birdie on the par-3 17th, and then failed to get up or down the green on the final par-4, falling back to 7 under par.
“It was a little slow out there, but it was really fun,” Hull said. “It’s a golf course where you can score enough to shoot 60. If possible, I’d like to shoot 58. I played solid today and hit some pretty good shots. I was disappointed with my last putt. I was just shaky.”
“Hanging it a little longer is a bonus. I feel 100% good. I’m going to go out (tomorrow) and try to make more birdies.”
Galmes set his first clubhouse goal after recording eight birdies and a bogey in an opening round 65, while Babnik matched his total after getting off to a flawless start with a birdie on the final hole.
Pia Babnik recorded seven birdies in a bogey-free opening round.
“I really enjoyed playing,” Babnik said. “I’ve been waiting for all the practice to come together and today is that day. The course feels so open compared to last week in India. I love it here and I love playing here.”
In the team competition, Chiara Tamburlini’s team of Mimi Rhodes, Anne-Charlotte Mora and amateur Tenniel Chun held a five-shot lead after tying the Aramco Team Series record 18-hole record of 23 under par.
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