Hull wins LPGA thriller as Ryder Cup prep intensifies

Charley Hull Conquers Pressure as Europe Gears Up for Ryder Cup

Victory in elite golf remains elusive — even for world No. 1s. Charley Hull’s dramatic win at the Kroger Queen City Championship and Europe’s intense Ryder Cup prep underline how difficult it is to finish top in one of sport’s most mentally demanding arenas.

While Hull claimed her first LPGA win since 2022, the loss stung for Jeeno Thitikul, the current world No. 1, who suffered a heartbreaking collapse on the 72nd green.

Hull Outlasts Thitikul in Dramatic Final Moments

Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul appeared on course to seal her second LPGA title of 2024, carrying a one-shot lead into the final hole. But the pressure proved too much.

• Thitikul four-putted from close range

• Hull, needing only a tap-in, clinched the win

• This marks Hull’s third LPGA career victory

But even for the Englishwoman, the win didn’t come easily. She admitted nerves kicked in moments before her winning putt:

“I had this mad shock of adrenaline… my hands were shaking,” Hull said.

“I don’t know how Tiger Woods won that many tournaments [with] that much pressure.”

Hull had previously finished runner-up in both the Aramco Houston Championship and the AIG Women’s Open, making this victory all the more overdue and emotional.

Mental Preparation: Donald Turns to VR for Bethpage Bear Pit

As Hull faced her internal storm in Ohio, Team Europe were battling external expectations in New York ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black (26-28 September).

Captain Luke Donald has pulled out all the stops to prepare his players for the notorious New York crowd — including virtual reality headsets simulating hostile crowd noise.

“It’s to simulate the sights and sounds,” said Rory McIlroy.

“You can wear all the VR headsets you want… but once the first tee comes, it’s real.”

The goal: to desensitize players to the anticipated intensity of the American fans and ensure Europe is mentally ready for one of sport’s most emotionally charged contests.

Scheffler Stays Cool and Keeps Winning

While Europe preps as a unit, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler continues to build momentum individually:

• Won his sixth PGA Tour event of 2025 at the Procore Championship

• Overturned a two-shot deficit to beat Ryder Cup teammate Ben Griffin

• Now has 19 PGA Tour wins in 150 starts

Scheffler joins Tiger Woods as the only golfer since 1983 to record multiple seasons with six or more wins.

“I didn’t come to Napa to talk Ryder Cup,” said Scheffler.

“I’m here to play a golf tournament.”

Now, with Napa behind him, his attention will surely shift to reclaiming the Ryder Cup for Team USA.

Final Thoughts: Winning Never Comes Easy

From Hull’s emotional breakthrough to Thitikul’s gutting misfire, and Europe’s virtual reality war games at Bethpage, the message is clear:

Winning in golf — especially under pressure — is a feat reserved for the most mentally prepared.