Charley Hull will be hoping to put a smile on the face of British golf with a victory at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters at Emirates Golf Club from December 7-10.
The 20-year-old prodigy will start as a favourite in the season-ending Ladies European Tour event on the back of some solid performances during the season, highlighted by a second-place finish at the ANA Inspiration – one of the five major championships of professional women’s golf.
She also hauled herself into contention for a medal in the women’s Olympic golf competition before falling just two shots off the bronze, but said the experience of competing in the world’s biggest sporting carnival was just fantastic.
“I got a good buzz off it. It’s been good,” said Hull, who is seeking her first win in Dubai that would make her the first English winner of the tournament since its inception in 2006.
“Being an Omega brand ambassador, it will mean a lot to me. But I am not going to get ahead of myself. I will try and stay in the moment. I still have a lot to learn,” said Hull who announced her arrival on the Ladies European Tour with her victory in the 2014 Lalla Meryem Cup at Agadir In Morocco.
“I love Dubai and have some fond memories of the tournament and that will definitely be a big help,” said Hull who racked up tied fifth, eighth and 23rd in her previous three appearances in Dubai.
“I am really looking forward to my trip to Dubai. I can’t wait to get started to alongside some of the biggest names in women’s golf,” said Hull, who turned professional on January 1, 2013 after winning several amateur events in the United States and Great Britain.
The youngest player to win the Ladies European Tour’s Order of Merit title in 2014, aged 19, just 12 months after being named Rookie of the Year, Hull, who also boasts top-10 finishes at the Australia open and the Bahamas LPGA Classic earlier this season and is now ranked 26th in the world.
But the ultimate aim for the Kettering youngster is to hit the summit. “The ranking is great in a way. But there’s only one place I want to be eventually, and that’s No 1,” said Hull, who is part of a new national campaign launched to encourage more women and girls to take up golf.
The ‘This Girl Golfs’ video, which also features Henni Zuel and Carly Booth, aims to raise awareness around women’s golf and stop a decline in female participation.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of ‘golf in Dubai, said: “Charley is an exciting prospect who can inspire a new generation of players with his enthusiasm for the game.
“She has definitely matured a lot over a couple of years as a golfer and just as a person as well. I think she has got a great chance to do something special in Dubai.
“I wish her the best and hope she has a wonderful stay in Dubai.”
The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, starting on December 7, is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC as sponsor.