Players to Watch: Charley Hull

Straight-talking and fearless, Charley Hull is eyeing her first major win — and she’s not holding back

Charley Hull doesn’t mince words. “I’ve just got to pull my head out of my ass and do it,” she said with a grin when asked what it’ll take to finally clinch that elusive first major. It’s vintage Hull — brutally honest, disarmingly casual, and refreshingly self-aware.

As the AIG Women’s Open returns this summer, Hull will once again be one of the most talked-about players in the field. A four-time major runner-up, she’s been knocking on the door for years. But now, with the championship heading to Royal Porthcawl — a venue just hours from her Northamptonshire home — the stakes feel even higher.

Familiar Ground, Unfamiliar Challenge

Hull first played Royal Porthcawl as a teenager in the Junior Vagliano Trophy and returned earlier this year for a practice round. “It was seven degrees and sunny — not bad for January,” she laughed. “The course was in great condition.”

Still, she admits links golf isn’t her favourite. “I don’t like links golf courses. I like them for a laugh with friends, but in competition, I prefer parkland courses. Links can be a bit of a lottery.” That said, she’s embracing the challenge. “I just have to see it as that — a challenge. And I love that.”

Royal Porthcawl, with its exposed terrain and unpredictable winds, will test even the most experienced players. But Hull’s exceptional ball-striking and shot-shaping skills could give her a distinct advantage — especially if conditions level the playing field.

Charley on Charley

Part of Hull’s appeal is her authenticity. She speaks like she plays — fast, fearless, and unapologetically herself. She doesn’t over-prepare, avoids overthinking, and leans heavily on feel.

“I don’t even use the yardage book,” she said. “My caddie tells me the number, and I hit the shot.”

She also doesn’t chase status or rankings. “I’d rather win a major than be world No. 1,” she said. “Majors are where you’re up against everyone, and when you win one, it really means something.”

Despite her success, Hull plays a lighter schedule than many of her peers — usually around 21 events a year. “Some girls play 36. That’s no life,” she said. “I’ve got a life outside of golf.”

That sense of balance, combined with a relentless drive, has made Hull one of the sport’s most relatable figures. She’s candid about mental fatigue, social media pressures, and what it takes to stay grounded. “People’s opinions don’t pay bills,” she said. “Just be yourself.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Hull didn’t grow up watching women’s golf. In fact, she didn’t know what the Solheim Cup was until she was picked to play in it. “I used to go to the men’s Open and watch that,” she said. “I met the women’s players for the first time when I was nine, at the Weetabix Women’s British Open.”

Now, she sees the impact of events like the AIG Women’s Open in a new light. “It’s cool that it’s going to be the biggest women’s sporting event in Wales,” she said. “Hopefully it gets more kids into golf — especially girls. When I was growing up, golf clubs were all boys. That’s changing, and that’s good to see.”

What’s Next at Royal Porthcawl?

As she prepares to return to South Wales for the AIG Women’s Open 2025, Hull is under no illusions. “I’ve always been close. But the only one who can get it done is me.”

With the championship now just weeks away, Hull remains one of the most compelling figures in the game — not just for her talent, but for her honesty, her humour, and her refusal to be anything but herself.