Charley Hull has made it clear that she is unfazed by the criticism that erupted after she played a practical joke on her caddie, Adam "Adsy" Woodward, just before the start of the AIG Women’s Open. Despite a restless night that left her with only a few hours of sleep, the English star posted a solid 71 in round two – a level‑par round that kept her two strokes under par and firmly in the hunt for the championship as the tournament entered its final weekend.
Hull opened the championship with a 69 and followed that with a 71 on Friday morning at Royal Lytham & St Annes. The second round featured three birdies matched by three bogeys, leaving her on even par for the day and sitting at –2 overall. That position placed her among the leaders as the final major of the season approached. The controversy began when Hull revealed, in a light‑hearted interview before the event, that she had convinced Woodward that she had bought a scratch‑card that won £100,000.
She filmed the moment after purchasing a novelty ticket from a joke shop in Blackpool, and the clip quickly spread across social media. Critics accused her of being insensitive and unprofessional, arguing that the joke was in poor taste for a major tournament setting. Hull, however, has taken a very different view. She told reporters after her round that she and Woodward share a close, almost sibling‑like bond.
"He’s like a big brother to me and one of my best friends," she said. "We’re always teasing each other, and he thought the prank was brilliant. He laughed about it and even showed it to everyone.
When the backlash started, I just told people to lighten up." She added that the negative comments did not affect her focus on the course. "I don’t care if people don’t get my sense of humour – my friends do, and that’s why they’re my friends," Hull explained. "I would never pull a stunt on someone who wouldn’t take it well. This was a joke between us, and it was meant to be fun, not harmful." Hull also defended Woodward’s reputation as a prankster, noting that he is known among his caddie peers for pulling practical jokes.
"Adsy is the king of pranks. The other caddies are even worse, and he finds it hilarious. He’s a laid‑back guy and he enjoys the attention," she said.
"He even texted me last night saying this has been one of the funniest weeks of his life because of the prank. So I think people need to chill out and stop posting negative comments." When pressed about how she deals with the online criticism, Hull responded that it actually fuels her desire to perform better. "We live in a world where you can’t do anything without being judged, and that can stop people from living the life they want," she remarked. "The comments make me want to prove them wrong.
I grew up in a household full of banter, always teasing each other. It’s just how I was raised, and I think people need to develop a thicker skin." She also pointed out that being in the public eye inevitably invites scrutiny. "If you put yourself in the spotlight, you should expect criticism.
Some people seem to be looking for sympathy, as if I’m struggling because of the comments, but I’m fine," Hull said. "There are people who have it a lot worse than a few unkind remarks, and they should focus on the bigger picture." Hull’s candid remarks continued with a blunt reminder that perspective matters. "You’re in a good position in life, and there are many who are far less fortunate. Complaining about a few negative comments is unnecessary.
Grow a pair of balls and move on," she said, emphasizing that the worst thing in life is not a few harsh words. Physically, Hull admitted she entered the second round after only about three hours of sleep. The Englishwoman, a five‑time major runner‑up who has finished second twice at the Women’s Open in the past three years, said the lack of rest was a challenge but not a deal‑breaker. "I’m really looking forward to the rest of the tournament.
It’s going to be a lot of fun," she said. "My nerves have settled now.
My back was a little sore today, which affected my swing a bit, but I’m feeling better than I was last year going into the weekend." Hull’s performance keeps her in contention for the title, and she remains focused on the final rounds rather than the surrounding drama. She concluded that the prank was a moment of camaraderie between her and her caddie, not a scandal meant to undermine the sport.
"We’re just having a laugh, and the game is what matters," Hull affirmed. As the AIG Women’s Open moves into its decisive stages, viewers can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage continuing on Saturday from midday. Fans of Hull and Woodward will be watching to see whether the English golfer can convert her strong position into a major victory, while the story of the prank serves as a reminder that humor and competition often coexist on the grand stage of professional golf.