Charley Hull has confirmed that she is back to full fitness and ready to take on the links challenge this week at the AIG Women's Open
As the 2024 AIG Women's Open kicks off at the iconic St Andrews, England’s Charley Hull is riding a wave of optimism and nostalgia. Reflecting on her runner-up finish at last year's Open at Walton Heath, Hull is eager to go one step further this year at the revered "Home of Golf." The significance of a potential victory is not lost on her. "It'll be a pretty special win, it’s something I’ve always dreamed of" Hull shared during the tournament's preview press conference.
Nostalgia and past experiences at St Andrews
Hull’s history with St Andrews adds an extra layer of anticipation. Recalling her first professional appearance at the course when the AIG Women’s Open was last there in 2013, she shared memories of her experiences both as a young golfer and a rising star. “I played here as my first year as a professional,” Hull reminisced. “When I was nine, we had the HSBC Wee Wonders Championship here, and that was my first time ever coming to St Andrews.” Her first professional experience at 17-years-old in 2013, also coincided with her first selection for the European Solheim Cup team, when the team was announced on the Sunday night.
However, Hull is quick to acknowledge the unique challenges that St Andrews presents. Despite recent form at Dundonlad Links, she finds the Old Course particularly demanding. "I do find St Andrews actually a harder links for me," she admitted. "Not necessarily because it's super tough, but because you can't read the lines in the fairways; it just looks very open, and it's quite hard to pick a level point in the distance.”
Health update and tackling links golf
In addition to the mental and technical challenges, Hull has also been managing her physical health, particularly issues with her shoulder. "My shoulder gets a little bit tight," she revealed, noting that she has been receiving regular acupuncture treatment to manage the discomfort. Hull mentioned that the cold weather exacerbates her condition due to degenerative arthritis in her shoulder, a factor that could be critical given the unpredictable Scottish weather. Despite this, she remains confident in her preparations and eager to compete. "I'm healthy and ready to go," she affirmed.
Hull’s preparation for this year's Open has been meticulously focused, especially in refining her approach to links golf. "My coach got me working on a lot of three-quarter swings because my golf swing got a little bit too long," Hull explained. This adjustment, she believes, is essential for controlling ball flight in the windy conditions she will face this week. Her recent performance at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open has also boosted her confidence, despite the tough conditions. "I putted pretty well all week... I'm learning every time and just enjoying it."
Leaning on crowd support in St Andrews
The prospect of playing in front of supportive crowds at St Andrews excites Hull, especially after the strong backing she received at Walton Heath last year. "It was so nice to see all the fans out there... hopefully, there’ll be good crowds this week, and it’s just lovely to be out there with people cheering you on."
There is no doubt that Hull will be a popular draw this week and now with her health in check, her game play ready for the links and her deep desire to claim her first Major title on one of golf’s grandest stages, there should be a lot of optimism amongst fans about her potential performance this week in St Andrews.
Tickets, including limited hospitality options, are still on sale for the AIG Women’s Open and can be purchased via the AIG Women’s Open ticket page here
