Charley Hull has reached a career milestone, becoming the highest-ranked Englishwoman in the history of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, ascending to world No. 3. The achievement follows her victory at the Ladies European Tour’s season-opening PIF Saudi Ladies International on Saturday, where a final-round score of 65 secured a one-stroke win over Akie Iwai and Casandra Alexander.
The 29-year-old Hull’s rise from fifth to third in the rankings, officially released on Monday, places her behind only Jeeno Thitikul and Nelly Korda. This marks a significant advancement for the English golfer, who previously secured her fifth LET title with the win in Riyadh. Her success builds on a strong 2025, which included a victory at the Kroger Queen City Championship on the LPGA Tour in September.
“I worked really hard this off-season, so it’s nice to get a result pretty much straight away and it’s one of the bigger events on the LET,” Hull stated after her win in Saudi Arabia, according to reports.
Hull’s recent performance demonstrates a consistent upward trajectory. She has not finished outside of a tie for 21st place since early June, and was runner-up at the AIG Women’s Open last summer. She has also achieved three further top-five finishes worldwide in the latter half of 2025.
The accomplishment is particularly notable as Hull is now one of two Englishwomen in the world’s top 10, alongside Lottie Woad, who currently holds the world No. 8 position after a successful professional debut season in 2025.
During the final round in Riyadh, Hull overcame a three-shot deficit, starting the day in a share of 11th place. Her comeback was fueled by an eagle, seven birdies, and two bogeys. A pivotal run of a birdie, eagle, and another birdie from the 11th hole propelled her to the lead, followed by two additional birdies in her final four holes. This victory marks her second win in Riyadh, adding to her 2024 Aramco Team Series title in the same city.
Reflecting on her performance, Hull humorously attributed a boost in energy to an unexpected mid-round snack. “After nine holes I ran into the toilet and also got some mashed potatoes, so I don’t know if that gave me a bit of power for the back nine,” she said.
Hull also indicated a personal milestone coinciding with her professional success. “My house renovation is pretty much done, so I needed that win! I’m looking forward to getting settled into my house in a couple of weeks when it’s all done and celebrate my birthday.”
