In just her second year on the LET Charley Hull became the youngest winner of the Order of Merit after tying for fifth at the Dubai Ladies Masters.

Hull, still only 18, picked up the Rookie of the Year in 2013 after five runners-up spots and this year claimed her first win, in Morocco, in March. She also posted an additional eight other top 10s.

The eventual winning margin was €29,808 ahead of Gwladys Nocera with the French star having won last week in India.

But Hull, who missed out on her full card at the LPGA Q School last week, was made to sweat after a slow start at The Emirates.
I started feeling so much more confident. Just working on getting a bit more width on my swing. I definitely feel a lot more confident" “I just thought don’t make any silly mistakes.  I doubled the 1st but got two birdies on the bounce back so I was pretty happy with myself there,” she said.

“I went double, birdie, birdie, bogey, birdie.  So it was an interesting front nine. But towards the end of the back nine, I really got the feeling with my woods off the tee.  

“I started feeling so much more confident. Just working on getting a bit more width on my swing.  I definitely feel a lot more confident.”

The winner in Dubai was China’s Shanshan Feng who also won here in 2012. 

The only other player to have won twice in Dubai is Annika Sorenstam. Spain’s in-form Carlota Ciganda birdied the 72nd hole to take second on her own.

The Rookie of the Year went to Amy Boulden of Wales who recorded four top-10 finishes having started the season without a full card.

“It was one of my goals from when I turned pro. I wasn’t sure how many events I was going to be playing in but starting the year well has helped me a lot. 

“It’s a real honour to win and join the prestigious list of former winners, including Laura Davies, Annika Sorenstam and Charley Hull.”

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James Savage

Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.

Handicap: 17

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