In 2005, Charley Hull made a remarkable impression on the golfing world by winning the Ladies Golf Union Championship at just nine years old, defeating a much older competitor in a playoff. Her victory garnered significant attention, leading to her being dubbed the “female Tiger Woods.” However, nearly two decades later, Hull continues to pursue her goal of clinching her first major championship, with the opportunity to do so dwindling as the 2025 season nears its close. As the AIG Women’s Open approaches, Hull has returned to the Welsh links, hoping to overcome the hurdles that have kept her from achieving major success.
Despite the comparisons to Woods, Hull has consistently emphasized her desire to forge her own identity in the sport. At just ten years old, she expressed a desire to be seen as an individual rather than just a young version of Woods. This independent spirit has characterized her journey in golf, particularly as she has challenged conventional training methods. Hull has criticized traditional golf training as ineffective, choosing instead to focus on fitness and her overall well-being. She has prioritized keeping both her body and mind fit, emphasizing that her fitness endeavors are personal goals rather than solely for golf performance.
Since turning professional in 2013, Hull has enjoyed a successful career, achieving six victories across the LPGA and Ladies European Tour (LET) and consistently representing her team in six successive Solheim Cup events. However, despite her many accomplishments, she still lacks a major title. Hull has secured an impressive nine top-10 finishes in major tournaments, yet she has found herself as the runner-up three times, which she candidly refers to as “first loser.” This self-critical perspective drives her to maintain high standards and ambition for her performance on the course.
As she approaches the Women’s Open, Hull’s preparation has faced challenges. After suffering from a virus during the Evian Championship earlier in the month, she had to temporarily step back from training, highlighting the impact of health on athletic performance. Although she has a strong commitment to her fitness routine, Hull expressed frustration at being sidelined and unable to work out in the lead-up to such an important tournament. Nonetheless, she is eager to regain her fitness levels and compete at her best.
Returning to Royal Porthcawl, where she previously won the Junior Vagliano Trophy in 2011, Hull has expressed her hope for windy conditions during the Open. She thrives in challenging environments, particularly on links courses where the wind plays a significant role. When discussing her strategies for success, Hull acknowledged the need to ease off on the pressure she places on herself regarding her performance. Reflecting on her younger years, she remarked that she was less obsessed with golf then and plans to recapture that mindset while competing.
As the AIG Women’s Open draws near, Charley Hull stands at a pivotal point in her career. With a unique approach to training and a journey marked by independence and resilience, she is determined to make her mark on the course. By focusing on her well-being and embracing the challenges presented by long-standing comparisons to legends like Tiger Woods, Hull looks poised to continue her pursuit of a major championship title, hoping that the upcoming tournament might finally yield the success she has long sought.
