Charley Hull in the Hunt: Two Shots Off the Lead Ahead of Arizona Final Round

Charley Hull Stays in Contention as Vu Holds Narrow Lead at Ford Championship

Charley Hull is firmly in the mix heading into the final round of the Ford Championship in Arizona. The English golfer sits at 16 under par, just two strokes behind leader Lilia Vu, after an impressive four-under-par 68 in tough conditions on Saturday.

The Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course proved a challenge for much of the field, with swirling winds causing plenty of trouble. Despite the tricky conditions, Hull kept her focus, carding six birdies to remain in second place as she chases her first LPGA title of the season.

Vu, the six-time LPGA Tour winner, battled through her own difficulties but managed to hold onto the lead at 18 under par, setting up what promises to be an exciting final round showdown.

Hull’s Steady Performance Keeps Her in the Hunt

Charley Hull drops back to two shots off lead in Arizona

Hull’s third round didn’t start as planned, as she bogeyed the opening hole. But she quickly settled, showing the resilience and shot-making ability that have made her one of the most consistent performers on the LPGA Tour.

Her ability to recover was evident again after a three-putt bogey on the 14th, but she responded in style, closing out the round with two crucial birdies in the final three holes.

Speaking after her round, Hull remained cool and collected, saying:
“It is what it is and it ain’t what it ain’t, but nice to finish with a birdie.”

Her composed mindset and strong finish could prove vital as she heads into the final round looking to chase down Vu.

Vu Overcomes Mistakes to Maintain Lead

Lilia Vu, the current leader at 18 under par, has looked unstoppable at times this week, playing the first two rounds bogey-free. However, she finally showed some vulnerability on Saturday, dropping shots for the first time in the tournament.

The American bogeyed the sixth and ninth holes before suffering a double bogey at the tricky 14th, a hole that has caused problems for many players throughout the tournament.

But true to her champion pedigree, Vu finished strong, rattling off three consecutive birdies to regain control of the leaderboard heading into the final round.

With Hull breathing down her neck, Vu will need to stay sharp if she wants to convert her two-shot advantage into another LPGA title.

Who Else Is in Contention?

While Hull and Vu sit at the top, several other players remain in striking distance.

Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Japan’s Ayaka Furue are both tied for third place at 15 under par after solid third rounds.

• Madsen, who started the day alongside Hull at 12 under par, shot a 69 to keep herself in contention.
• Furue produced one of the day’s best rounds with a 67, showing that she could be a threat on Sunday.

Just behind them, a cluster of players is lurking at 14 under par, including:

• Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand) – shot a 70
• Allisen Corpuz (USA)
• Hye-Jin Kim (South Korea)
• Hae-Ran Ryu (South Korea)
• Rose Zhang (China)

Nelly Korda Falls Out of Contention

One of the biggest surprises of the day was the struggles of world number one Nelly Korda.

Korda, who started the round in a promising position, faded badly with a one-over-par 73. That score dropped her to 11 under par, leaving her seven shots off the lead and effectively out of the title race barring a miraculous final round.

It was a disappointing day for the American star, who had looked like a potential contender before her game unraveled on Saturday.

Final Round: What to Expect

With only two shots separating Hull and Vu, the final round is shaping up to be a dramatic conclusion to the Ford Championship.

• Hull will be chasing her first LPGA win since 2022 and has shown the ability to rise to the occasion in pressure situations.
• Vu, the more experienced winner, will look to hold her nerve and secure another LPGA title.
• A strong chasing pack at 15 and 14 under par could also create surprises if the leaders falter.

The Arizona winds will likely play a factor once again, making accuracy and putting under pressure crucial.

With so much at stake, all eyes will be on Hull and Vu as they battle for the Ford Championship title on Sunday. Will Hull close the gap and pull off a comeback victory, or will Vu hold firm and lift another trophy? The final round promises to be an unmissable showdown.