Charley Hull has made it clear that the backlash she received for a light‑hearted prank on her caddie has not shaken her focus as she chases the AIG Women’s Open title. After opening with a solid 69, Hull carded a level‑par 71 on Friday morning at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes course, posting three birdies and three bogeys to sit at two under par heading into the weekend. The Englishwoman remains firmly in the mix for what could become her first major championship victory. The controversy began before the tournament even started, when Hull revealed on social media that she had duped her long‑time caddie Adam "Adsy" Woodward into believing he had won a £100,000 prize on a scratch‑card.

The gag was captured on video after Hull purchased a novelty ticket from a joke shop in Blackpool. While the stunt was intended as friendly banter between two close friends, the clip quickly spread online and attracted a wave of negative commentary.

Hull, who is currently ranked seventh in the world, says she has taken the criticism in stride. "I don’t think people understand the relationship between me and Adsy," she explained after her round.

"We’re very, very close – he’s like a big brother and one of my best friends. He’s always ribbing me, and he thought the joke was brilliant. When you see all the negative comments, I just tell people to lighten up." She continued, "I don’t care if you don’t get my sense of humour – my friends do, and that’s why they’re my friends. I wouldn’t pull a stunt like that on a stranger who might not take it well." Hull’s remarks underline her belief that the prank was a private joke meant for those who know her personality, not a public spectacle meant to offend.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of humor in professional sport. Hull defended her caddie’s penchant for practical jokes, describing him as "the king of pranks" who enjoys the attention it brings. "He texted me last night saying this has been one of the funniest weeks ever because of that prank," she said.

"People need to stop writing nasty comments and just chill out. If you have something negative to say, I don’t care." When pressed about how she deals with the backlash, Hull offered a pragmatic perspective: "The criticism actually fuels me.

We live in a world where you can’t do anything wrong without someone pointing it out, and that can stop people from living the life they want. I’m just being myself.

Our household is full of banter, we’re always taking the mickey out of each other. That’s how I was raised, and I think people need to be a bit tougher‑skinned." Hull also reminded critics that being in the public eye inevitably invites scrutiny.

"You put yourself in the spotlight, so it’s naïve to think you won’t get comments," she said. "Some people act like I’m struggling because of the criticism, but they’re actually looking for sympathy." She didn’t shy away from a blunt retort either.

"You’re in a good position in life. There are people far worse off, yet you’re moaning about what others say about you.

Grow a pair of balls and forget about it," Hull laughed. "If the worst thing in your life is people saying nasty things, then you don’t have it that bad." Beyond the social media storm, Hull admitted she entered the second round on very little rest, having slept only about three hours the night before. The English golfer, a five‑time major runner‑up who has finished second twice in the last three years at this venue, said she was prepared for the physical and mental challenge ahead. "I’m really looking forward to it," she said.

"It’s going to be loads of fun. My nerves have settled now.

My back was a little sore today, which is why I didn’t hit the ball as cleanly as I wanted. But I’m not too far back going into the weekend – better than I was last year!" Hull’s performance so far places her within striking distance of the leaderboard, and she remains determined to capitalize on the momentum.

With the weekend’s play set to continue on Sky Sports Golf, fans can watch her attempt to convert her strong start into a historic victory. The AIG Women’s Open, the final major of the season, promises a dramatic finish as Hull and the rest of the field battle the challenging links conditions at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Whether the prank controversy will fade into the background or continue to fuel discussion remains to be seen, but Hull has made it clear that her focus stays on the game, her caddie, and the pursuit of that elusive major trophy.