Image Credit: LPGA/Getty
Hamilton Township, Ohio — On a sweltering Sunday at TPC River’s Bend, Charley Hull stood on the 18th green with her hands trembling, heart racing, and adrenaline coursing. A foot-long putt separated her from history, redemption, and a long-awaited taste of triumph. When it dropped, Hull’s clenched fist and wide-eyed stare told the story: after 1,077 days without a win, the 29-year-old Englishwoman had finally captured her third LPGA Tour title at the 2025 Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G.
Hull’s final-round 68, built on six birdies and steady nerve, edged Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul by one shot at 20-under par. It was a victory both exhilarating and excruciating, defined by wild swings of momentum and a collapse at the last by one of the game’s brightest young stars.
A Battle to the Last Stroke
For much of the back nine, it seemed destined to be Thitikul’s coronation. The 22-year-old Thai sensation was relentless, pouring in birdies and seizing an 85% win probability as she walked to the 18th tee. Hull, meanwhile, had bogeyed 17 and appeared relegated to yet another runner-up finish.
But golf is cruel and unpredictable. Thitikul three-putted the final green—her fourth putt the dagger—while Hull summoned a steely birdie at 16 and nervously held her ground. In the end, it was Hull’s resilience that carried the day, her birdie-bogey-par finish enough to rewrite her narrative from bridesmaid to bride.
“I don’t really remember much from the last hole. My hands were shaking,” Hull admitted afterward. “I think I was more shocked, and the adrenaline… I don’t know how Tiger Woods won that many tournaments under that kind of pressure. Even though it was a foot putt, it felt like a 10-footer.”
Playing Through Pain
The win was even more remarkable given Hull’s battered state. In recent months, she’s torn a ligament in her foot, dealt with cysts in her back, and even fainted at Evian. Many assumed she’d be sidelined. Instead, she’s ground through, playing on pain and proving her mettle.
“Actually I’m a bit injured at the moment,” Hull said. “I’ve been slapped with every injury. I had 14 days off because of my ankle, but I just practiced hard, and hard work pays off. To battle through and win this week, yeah, I’m pretty happy.”
The injuries, she admitted, may even have helped: “Pain slows my mind down. When I’m poorly, I play good golf because I relax and put less pressure on myself.”
Jeeno’s Agony
For Thitikul, the heartbreak was all too familiar. Sunday marked her eighth runner-up finish in the last four seasons, more than any other player on Tour. It was also the second straight week she faltered down the stretch after leading late.
Through the first 12 holes of her last two final rounds, she is 10-under par. Over the closing six? One-over, with costly bogeys. The talent is undeniable—24 birdies this week, tied for most in the field—but the scars of near-misses are beginning to add weight.
Woad Rising
Behind the drama, Lottie Woad continued her stunning rookie campaign. The 20-year-old Englishwoman surged into contention with a final-round 66 to finish solo third at 18-under.
“I gave it a good run on the front nine, then kind of slowed down a little bit,” Woad said. “I’ve just been figuring out how to navigate these weeks, not overdoing it, managing energy. It’s been good the last few events.”
Already a winner on the LET and in Scotland earlier this summer, Woad’s U.S. breakthrough underscores the depth of young English talent. With Hull and Woad finishing in the top three, it was a banner week for the Union Jack.
A Tour Defined by Parity
Hull became the 25th different winner on the LPGA Tour this season—a staggering statistic that reflects the unprecedented parity in the women’s game. “It shows you how strong the Tour is now,” Hull said. “It’s getting harder and harder to win, so you’ve got to play good every week.”
The leaderboard was a global showcase: Miyu Yamashita of Japan (4th) extended her top-10 streak to five; Nasa Hataoka’s final-round 65 vaulted her into a tie for fifth; Jennifer Kupcho caught fire with a back-nine 30; and Nelly Korda, despite tying for most birdies (24), settled for T5. Defending champion Lydia Ko finished T14, steady but overshadowed.
Final Leaderboard (Top 5)
| Position | Player | Score | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charley Hull | -20 | 68-65-67-68 – 268 |
| 2 | Jeeno Thitikul | -19 | 69-64-68-68 – 269 |
| 3 | Lottie Woad | -18 | 68-67-69-66 – 270 |
| 4 | Miyu Yamashita | -17 | 69-67-66-69 – 271 |
| T5 | Nasa Hataoka, Jennifer Kupcho, Maja Stark, Sei Young Kim, Mary Liu, Nelly Korda, Chisato Iwai | -15 | 273 |
What It Means
For Hull, this was more than just a trophy. It was a reminder that resilience can trump adversity, that perseverance pays off, and that sometimes every dog really does have its day—as she put it with a grin.
“I’ve had plenty of seconds. Been the bridesmaid, now finally the bride,” she said, laughing.
For Thitikul, it was another painful chapter, but one that may harden her resolve. For Woad, Yamashita, and a chasing pack of fearless youngsters, it was proof they belong.
And for the LPGA, it was the continuation of a season unlike any other—25 winners, countless storylines, and a Tour brimming with drama, depth, and unpredictability.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent journalistic piece for Fairway Queens and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the LPGA Tour. All statistical information, quotes, and press materials are sourced from official LPGA communications and accredited media partners.
