Charley Hull reveals what Suzann Pettersen said to her about Nelly Korda before their Solheim Cup singles match
Charley Hull reveals what Suzann Pettersen said to her about Nelly Korda before their Solheim Cup singles match
Charley Hull delivered an impressive performance at the Solheim Cup, defeating world number one Nelly Korda 6&4, which was crucial for Europe’s attempt to overcome a 10-6 deficit. The match set the tone for the singles on the final day, demonstrating Hull’s exceptional talent against one of the best players in the game.
European captain Suzann Pettersen strategically placed Hull in the number one position, knowing the stakes were high. Korda had been the anchor for the American team in previous sessions, consistently showcasing her skill. However, the outcome of Hull’s match against Korda shocked many; she dominated the match, finishing it on the 14th hole while playing at an impressive seven under par.
In a post-match analysis, Korda displayed her good sportsmanship by acknowledging Hull’s superior play on social media, even joking about the loss. Ahead of her next tournament, the Kroger Queen City Championship, Hull shared her insights about the match and her enjoyment of competing against Korda.
Hull expressed her admiration for Korda, saying, “I love playing against Nelly. She’s probably my favorite player to play against on the LPGA Tour.” She mentioned that both players share a similar aggressive style, which makes their matchups particularly exciting. The day of the singles, Pettersen approached Hull with encouraging words, reminding her of Korda’s recent form but reinforcing Hull’s confidence in her ability to compete.
“I had a score in my head to shoot,” Hull explained. She believed that aiming for eight or nine under par would put her in a strong position to win. With the layout of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club allowing for numerous birdie opportunities, Hull executed her game plan flawlessly, ultimately achieving a remarkable score.
Reflecting on her performance, Hull noted, “I feel like that mindset going into that day was super focused, and I think that’s why I’m pretty tired.” Her mental preparation was evident in her play, as she navigated the course with precision and confidence.
Despite a rocky start to the week where she lost both of her matches on Friday, Hull rebounded admirably, finishing with three points over the course of the event. This performance not only highlighted her resilience but also showcased her potential to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
The significance of her victory over Korda cannot be overstated. It served as a testament to Hull’s capability of stepping up in critical moments, proving that she has the skill set required to become a major champion. Had a few other matches swung in favor of the European team, Hull’s win could have been viewed as one of the most significant performances in Solheim Cup history, especially considering Korda’s strong showing throughout the event.
In summary, Charley Hull’s decisive win against Nelly Korda not only marked a turning point in the Solheim Cup but also reinforced her status as a formidable competitor on the LPGA Tour. Her combination of skill, mental fortitude, and competitive spirit indicates that she is on the cusp of achieving even greater success in her golfing career.
