HULL OF A DEBUT... AND CHARLEY’S BUZZING
CHARLEY HULL admitted she was “pretty happy” with her first Olympic experience as she finished tied seventh.
South Korea’s Inbee Park claimed the gold medal with a five-shot lead from Lydia Ko who claimed silver.
Hull saw her challenge slip away after a third-round 74, but the 20-year-old from Kettering regained some pride with a three-under 68 yesterday. Hull was within a shot of the bronze medal position after a birdie on the 11th, but three-putted the 13th and was unable to pick up any shots until a two-putt birdie on the 18th.
“I was quite happy with the way I finished,” she said. “I hit a great shot into the last and could have raced that [eagle] putt a little bit more, but I was a bit of a p***y on it.
“I left it a little bit short. But I’m happy. Especially on the back nine I gave myself plenty of opportunities, I just didn’t hole them. I missed one short putt which is a bit silly but apart from that I feel like my game is in good shape.
“My first Olympics was a fantastic experience and I got a good buzz off it. If you treat it like a major, a top 10 in a major is a pretty good week.”
Hull’s team-mate Catriona Matthew carded a closing 70 to finish 29th, with Ireland’s Leona Maguire tied for 21st after a 69 and team-mate Stephanie Meadow in 31st place following a round of 72.
“This is definitely one of the special moments in my golfing career and in my whole life,” said jubilant winner Park.
“It feels great. Obviously representing your country, winning the gold, it’s so special. It’s just really all I’ve wanted. I’m just happy.”