The third round of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl delivered a thrilling spectacle, highlighted by Charley Hull’s remarkable ascent on the leaderboard and a moment of unintentional drama involving fellow competitor Minjee Lee. Hull’s performance was a masterclass in aggressive play, setting the stage for an exciting final day at one of golf’s premier events.

Hull, who began Saturday’s play at even par, ignited her round with an impressive seven birdies across her initial 13 holes. This explosive charge propelled the English star significantly up the standings, showcasing her determination to contend for the prestigious title in Wales. Her ability to consistently find birdies underscored a focused and effective strategy on the course.

However, the day was not without its lighthearted controversy. On the fourth tee, a wayward drive from Hull veered dangerously close to Minjee Lee, who was preparing to tee off on the 17th hole. The incident, though alarming in the moment, quickly turned into a source of amusement between the two golfers.

Following their rounds, both Hull and Lee shared a laugh about the near miss, highlighting the camaraderie and good sportsmanship prevalent within professional golf. Hull playfully acknowledged the incident, stating her fondness for Lee and emphasizing her lack of intent to “take her out,” adding a personal touch to the high-stakes competition.

Beyond this fleeting moment, Hull’s golfing prowess shone through. Her six-under 66 was a testament to her skill and resilience, narrowing an 11-shot deficit to just three strokes behind the 54-hole leader, Miyu Yamashita. Yamashita, in contrast, experienced a challenging day, posting a two-over 74.

Hull, an ardent pursuer of her inaugural major championship victory, expressed her enjoyment of the chase. She articulated a preference for being the hunter rather than the hunted, finding the competitive pursuit “quite fun” and “more fun that way.” This mindset positions her strongly for the concluding round.

With her remarkable “moving day” performance at Royal Porthcawl, Charley Hull has firmly established herself as a formidable contender for the year’s final major. Her ability to close a significant gap suggests she will be a central figure in Sunday’s final group, aiming to secure the major win that has eluded her thus far.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Hull’s approach remains simple and direct. She likens the final round to “playing golf with your mates,” with a singular focus on making birdies on every hole. This relaxed yet determined perspective could be key to her success in securing the AIG Women’s Open title.