Charley Hull demonstrated remarkable resilience after battling a post‑Solheim Cup illness, turning a limited preparation period into a near‑contender performance at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship on the LPGA Tour. The English professional, who had just returned from the victorious Solheim Cup campaign in the Netherlands, posted a 65 in the opening round at Pinnacle Country Club, a score that placed her just two strokes behind the early leader and positioned her in a tie for third at six under par.
Hull's round was a blend of aggressive birdie play and a solitary bogey. She managed to string together seven birdies, showcasing her ability to attack the course when opportunities presented themselves, while a single mis‑step on a par‑five prevented a flawless card. The Englishwoman later disclosed that she had been suffering from tonsillitis during Europe's 15‑13 triumph over the United States, which meant she entered the tournament with lingering fatigue and very little time to practice on the Arkansas layout. Despite those setbacks, Hull's performance was anchored by a strong finish.
After a modest start that saw her drop a few strokes, she rallied on the back nine, delivering three birdies over a five‑hole stretch beginning at the 13th hole, and then adding four more birdies in a six‑hole surge after the turn. Her composure under pressure was evident as she navigated the course with confidence from tee to green, and her putting was solid throughout the round. "I felt like I played pretty solid," Hull said in the post‑round interview. "It was quite weird – last week at home I didn't hit a golf ball for like five days because I was bed‑bound and I was so poorly.
After the Solheim Cup I had the flu, I had sickness and everything. I nearly pulled out of this week because I felt like I wasn't prepared enough!
I came over to America on Saturday, had sponsor stuff up until Tuesday and got in here late Tuesday night. It wasn't really the best prep, but actually I come in here with no expectations. I felt like I hit it pretty well tee‑to‑green and putted decent." Hull's candid remarks highlighted the challenges she faced: a sudden bout of illness, a cramped travel schedule, and minimal time to acclimatize to the course conditions. Yet those very constraints seemed to free her from the weight of expectation, allowing her to play a more relaxed and instinctive round.
Her ability to recover from early setbacks and still post a competitive score underscores the mental toughness that has become a hallmark of her career. The leaderboard after the first day was tightly packed.
Japan's Yuna Nishimura claimed the early lead with a flawless 64, while Hull's six‑under score placed her alongside fellow Solheim Cup teammate Celine Boutier. China's Yu Liu, who posted a bogey‑free 64, briefly held the clubhouse lead before Nishimura's final‑hole eagle vaulted her into a one‑stroke advantage. England's Jodi Ewart‑Shadoff mounted a late charge, but two late bogeys on the back nine left her with a respectable five‑under 66. Other English players, Lottie Woad and Caley McGinty, also remained within striking distance, each three strokes back.
Woad explained her strategy after the round: "With it only being three rounds, you want to get off to a good start and try and not drop too many shots. If you hit a lot of greens like I did today then you're not going to make too many bogeys." Her comment reflects a common approach among players in a shortened tournament format – prioritize consistency and minimize mistakes rather than taking excessive risks. Mimi Rhodes opened with a solid four‑under 67, while Chiara Tamburlini, who narrowly missed Solheim Cup qualification, also sat four strokes behind the leader after a low‑scoring opening day.
The field remains wide open as the tournament moves into its second round, with many players eyeing the chance to climb the leaderboard. Looking ahead, the competition promises to intensify.
Hull's performance, achieved despite limited preparation and recent illness, suggests she could be a dark horse for the title if she continues to play with the same confidence and poise. Her ability to strike a balance between aggressive birdie opportunities and disciplined ball‑striking will be crucial as the tournament progresses. Fans can continue to follow the action live on Sky Sports+ starting Saturday at 9 p.m., and they can also explore special Sky Sports offers or stream without a contract. For those interested in playing the game themselves, the best prices and bookings are available for over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, searchable by course name, city, or postal code.
As the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship unfolds, the narrative will likely focus on whether Hull can maintain her momentum, if Nishimura can extend her early lead, and how the rest of the tightly‑packed field navigates the challenges of Pinnacle Country Club. The tournament remains a showcase of skill, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of professional golf.