Key eventsShow only key eventsEnable JavaScript to use this featureCongratulations to Lilia Vu, who has achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the Dinah Shore and the Women’s Open in the same year, making her only the second player to do so. Yani Tseng previously accomplished this in 2010. Vu is also the first American champion of this tournament since Mo Martin in 2014. Commiserations to Charley Hull, who put up a strong fight but was ultimately outplayed by Vu. Despite the final score not reflecting it, Hull made the last day of the competition quite competitive. Thank you for following our blog. Will we see you again next year at St Andrews? We hope so!
Final leaderboard:
-14: Lilia Vu
-8: Charley Hull
-7: Jiyai Shin
-6: Amy Yang, Kim Hyo-joo
-4: Allisen Corpuz, Ally Ewing, Angel Yin
-3: Olivia Cowan, Andrea Lee
-2: Akie Iwai, Alison Lee, Nasa Hataoka, Nelly Korda, Linn Grant
-1: Celine Boutier, Alice Hewson, Jenny Shin, Anna Nordqvist, Jeongeun Lee6
“This has truly been the most incredible audience I have ever played in front of. This moment will stay with me for the rest of my life,” said Vu, tears of happiness streaming down her face. “The spectators were amazing. I know they were rooting for Charley, but they also applauded for me, which is incredible!” The gallery showered her with love and gave her a well-deserved ovation as she lifted the trophy.
“It all came down to staying focused on each shot and not thinking about winning,” Vu reflected. “This golf course really forced me to do that. I may have appeared calm on the outside, but trust me, I was anything but calm on the inside! After the Chevron tournament, I doubted myself and thought those two wins were just flukes. But being here today, I can’t thank my team and my family enough for believing in me. I love playing with Charley; she’s such a joy to watch. Yesterday, I saw her crowd and really wanted to compete with her today. She’s an exceptional golfer and a genuinely nice person. Keep an eye out for her!”
“With a score of 274, I am pleased to announce Lilia Vu as the winner of the Gold Medal and the 2023 AIG Women’s Open Champion!” exclaimed the presenter. Vu proudly lifted her prize while the crowd erupted in applause. “It feels almost unreal. I had a difficult few months leading up to this, and all we wanted was to be in contention. And somehow, it happened!”
The presentation ceremony also recognized Charlotte Heath as the leading amateur, awarded with the Smyth Salver. Heath shot a respectable 76 today, finishing at +7 for the week.
Lilia Vu’s performance at Walton Heath was truly extraordinary. While many players struggled with the challenging first four holes, Vu remained composed and played them one-under par. She made crucial birdies on the more favorable stretch of holes and responded to Charley Hull’s eagle on the 11th hole with an impressive approach shot for birdie on the 12th. She demonstrated tenacity and skill on holes 15 and 16 when things got tricky. And to top it all off, she finished with a flourish. Her scores of 67 on both days of the weekend and her two major titles this season solidify her status as a phenomenal player and competitor. She has undoubtedly earned this well-deserved victory.
“I’m freezing now!” Vu exclaimed, shivering from the champagne poured over her during this summer celebration. She made her way to the scorer’s tent, clutching towels to warm up.
Lilia Vu emerges as the champion of the 2023 Women’s Open! Reflecting the performance of Charley Hull, Vu perfectly seals the deal with a delightful 20-foot birdie putt. A wide smile of triumph finally breaks across her face. It’s time to relax! Vu and Hull embrace warmly, and then Hull quickly departs as Vu’s friends approach, ready to douse her in champagne. “I can’t believe I won!” Vu exclaims with joy. But those watching can certainly believe it. She was sensational from the first tee shot. What a way to win the Open, with a final round of 67!
-14: Vu
-8: Hull
-7: Shin
Lilia Vu receives a victorious soaking from her team as she cruises to victory! (Photograph: Richard Heathcote/R&A/Getty Images) (Updated at 18.49 BST)
Charley Hull impressively saves par with a monster putt! She wears a huge smile of both joy and relief as she secures a second-place finish. This marks her best performance at the Women’s Open, with her second runner-up spot in a major this year. Though her final round of 73 wasn’t what she had hoped for, she gave it her all. It’s worth noting the irony that her putter, which let her down at times during the closing stretch, finally showed up when she needed it the most. This moment encapsulates both the triumph and disappointment that comes with competition. Well played, Charley Hull. She ends the week at -8.
Hull successfully escapes the bunker and makes her way to the green. She now faces a challenging 25-foot putt to save par and secure sole possession of second place. Both players receive a heartwarming ovation as they approach the green.
Charley Hull finds herself in quite the predicament in the heather. Her ball lies deep in thick rough, and she’s left with a difficult shot over a grassy bunker. Though the flop seems tough, she considers the low ramming shot, hoping the ball will skip onto the green. But ultimately, she opts for the high whip. And what an impressive shot she executes! The lob lands softly onto the green, giving her a 15-foot putt to save par. That outcome is as good as could be reasonably expected. Just as things seem to settle, a pair of protestors with smoke bombs momentarily disrupt the game. The situation is quickly handled, and play resumes.
Protestors make an appearance on the 17th green. (Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (Updated at 18.36 BST)
Hull misses her eagle opportunity, met with a quiet understanding. Her tee shot on the par-three 17th is pulled to the left and lands in the gallery. Meanwhile, Vu’s shot finds the center of the green. While the game isn’t entirely over, Vu has maintained a steadfast lead throughout the day, gradually wearing down Hull’s spirits with her strategic play on holes 15 and 16.
Vu confidently rolls her long eagle putt to within four feet of the hole. Hull’s eagle attempt, which is likely around six feet away, misses on the right. It never had a chance of dropping. Despite only making a birdie, Vu matches Hull’s score and stays one step ahead, even from less advantageous positions. Vu’s brilliance should not be overlooked. She has truly delivered under pressure!
-13: Vu (16)
-9: Hull (16)
-7: Shin (F)
Jiyai Shin joins the players who came close to birdieing the 18th hole. She finishes her round with a 70, taking the lead in the clubhouse.
Hull finds herself in a troublesome situation. Her ball lies in thick rough, and she’s also short-sided and faces a grassy bunker in front of her. The flop shot appears challenging. Is she considering a low shot into the bank, hoping the ball will bounce onto the green? Yes, but she ultimately opts for a high whip shot. And what a shot it is! The lob beautifully lands softly on the green. Hull now has a 15-foot putt to save par. That outcome is the best she could have hoped for. Then suddenly, two protestors make their way onto the 17th green with smoke bombs. Play is briefly paused as the situation is swiftly resolved.
Hull faces difficulty in the heather. Vu executes a solid shot onto the green. (Updated at 18.24 BST)
Vu powerfully drives her ball down the 18th fairway. Hull, now with the sole task of securing second place, hits a wild shot to the right, deep into the rough. Her position is uncertain, greatly dependent on her lie. While winning may no longer be within reach, she surely doesn’t want to end up third in a two-player race.
Lilia Vu wastes no time. As soon as the green clears, she takes a quick look at her birdie putt and gives it a try. The putt bobbles slightly due to a small bump on the green and falls short of the hole. But par will suffice. Hull fails to make her par putt, and although Vu is focused on maintaining her presence in the moment, she can now savor the walk up the 18th hole.
-13: Vu (17)
-8: Hull (17)
-7: Shin (F)
Hull faces a challenging shot on the 17th hole. (Updated at 18.18 BST)
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