Charley Hull Sets Women’s Record at Riviera and Shares a Comical Malibu Adventure

LOS ANGELES — The women’s course record at Riviera Country Club has been in flux during the U.S. Women’s Open, as this renowned venue is hosting a women’s tournament for the first time. On Thursday, Sei Young Kim marked the record with a first-round score of 67, only for amateur Asterisk Talley to surpass it with a 66 on Friday. However, it was Charley Hull who stole the show on Saturday, shooting a remarkable six-under 65, featuring eight birdies, in perfect weather and with the USGA providing easier pin placements. Her score may well be the best women’s round at Riviera for quite some time.

Beginning the day seven strokes behind the leaders, Hull positioned herself as a genuine contender for her fourth tour title and first major, depending on the afternoon performances of the frontrunners. “I kind of like chasing,” she remarked after her impressive round. “I just find it more fun and just I can then be free and then just play golf how I wanna play golf.”

Hull's outstanding performance was both expected and surprising. As the seventh-ranked player globally, she exhibits a bold confidence when her game is on point. After struggling in the previous two rounds to make the cut, she said, “Just couldn't get a putt [to fall], so kind of just stuck in there and just went at everything today and just thought, ‘F--k it.’”

Unfiltered and candid, Hull discussed her recent game struggles, admitting that her confidence had not been at its peak. “I haven't been hitting it my best in the weeks coming into it. And I've just got my feels now, just keeping it simple, trying not to think,” she explained. Her process has involved late-night sessions reviewing her swing, although she acknowledged the downside of overthinking. “Sometimes, you just gotta cancel out.”

This week, Hull has enjoyed some off-course distractions with her cousin, who is visiting. They took a memorable trip to Malibu, spurred by the cousin’s desire to see the iconic beach city, famous among movie fans and “People” magazine readers. “She thought it was gonna be this amazing place,” Hull said, humorously recalling her cousin's expectations. However, upon their arrival, reality didn’t meet the fantasy, leading to a comedic moment as her cousin lamented, “My lifelong dream's been crushed.” Hull couldn’t help but laugh at the situation, sharing, “It was absolutely hilarious.”

As her day wound down, Hull had simpler plans for the evening, opting for Mexican food. She glanced at her watch, excusing herself with a bright smile, as she prepared for an ice bath and red-light sauna session, hoping to avoid any more swing video analysis.