English professional golfer Charley Hull nearly recorded a hole-in-one on the par-3 sixth hole [2] during the final round of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open.
The shot highlights Hull's aggressive approach during a high-stakes tournament. Her ability to manipulate the course terrain at a prestigious venue like the Riviera Country Club demonstrates the technical precision required to compete for a major title.
Playing at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, Hull utilized the natural slope of the course on her tee shot [1]. The ball tracked closely toward the pin, nearly resulting in an ace on the short par-3 [2]. This moment of precision came as Hull fought for a top position in the tournament standings.
Hull had already established strong momentum heading into the final stages of the event. In the third round, she shot a 65 [4], a score that placed her in contention as the tournament progressed toward its conclusion.
Regarding her mindset during the competition, Hull described her decision to take a risk on the course. "just thought f*** it and went at everything," Hull said [3].
The near-ace on the sixth hole served as a focal point for viewers and analysts following the final round. By leveraging the slope, Hull attempted to capitalize on the specific geography of the hole to secure a significant advantage in her scoring.
“"just thought f*** it and went at everything"”
Hull's performance at the 2026 U.S. Women's Open, characterized by a record-setting third round and high-risk shot-making, underscores her role as a primary contender in women's professional golf. The use of course slopes to achieve near-aces indicates a strategic willingness to embrace volatility to lower scores, a necessity when competing against a world-class field at Riviera Country Club.
