Charley Hull has made it clear that she is unfazed by the wave of criticism that followed a light‑hearted prank she staged on her caddie, Adam Woodward, before the start of the AIG Women’s Open. The English golfer, who is currently positioned two strokes under par and firmly in the hunt for the championship, said she simply does not let negative commentary affect her game. Hull opened the tournament with a 69 and followed that with a level‑par 71 on Friday morning at the historic Royal Lytham & St Annes course.
Her round featured three birdies offset by three bogeys, leaving her just two strokes behind the leader as she headed into the weekend. Despite the strong performance, the British player found herself under a microscope after she publicly revealed that she had tricked Woodward into believing he had won a £100,000 scratch‑card. The joke was captured on video after Hull purchased a fake ticket from a novelty shop in Blackpool and showed it to her caddie, who initially thought the windfall was real. The stunt quickly spread across social media, prompting a mixture of amusement and disapproval.
Some fans praised the banter, while others accused Hull of being insensitive and unprofessional. Hull, however, brushed off the criticism, describing it as "just lighten up" and emphasizing the close bond she shares with Woodward. "He’s like a big brother to me," she explained. "We’re extremely close, and he’s one of my best friends.
He loves a good joke and was laughing with me when we filmed the prank." When asked about the backlash, Hull said the comments only reinforced her determination to perform well. "People think you can’t make any mistake these days, but that pressure actually fuels me.
I’m not going to let a few negative remarks derail my focus. Our household is full of teasing and banter – it’s how we were raised. If you can’t handle a bit of humour, maybe you need to toughen up," she added. Hull also highlighted that she would never pull a similar stunt on someone who might not appreciate it, underscoring that the joke was shared among friends who understood each other's personalities.
Woodward, who is known among his peers as a prank‑loving caddie, seemed to enjoy the attention. He texted Hull after the incident, describing the week as "one of the funniest ever" because of the prank. He encouraged people to stop posting harsh comments, reminding them that the joke was all in good fun.
"If you have something negative to say, I don’t care – just move on," he wrote. Hull’s response to the criticism was equally blunt. She said, "I don’t care if you don’t get my humour – my friends get it, and that’s why they’re my friends. I wouldn’t do this to a random person who might take it the wrong way." She went on to point out that many of the detractors seemed to be seeking sympathy rather than offering constructive feedback.
"I think people need to realize they’re in a privileged position. There are people who have far tougher lives, and they’re complaining about a joke. Grow a pair of balls and move on," Hull said, using candid language to convey her frustration with the online vitriol.
Beyond the media storm, Hull admitted she entered the second round with very little rest – roughly three hours of sleep the night before. Despite the fatigue, the five‑time major runner‑up, who has finished second twice at this venue in the past three years, felt ready to tackle the challenges of the links course. She noted that her back was slightly sore, which affected her swing a bit, but she remained optimistic. "I’m really looking forward to the weekend.
My nerves have settled, and I think I’m in a better place than last year," she said. Hull’s performance places her within striking distance of the leader, and she is determined to use the remainder of the tournament to mount a serious charge for the title. The AIG Women’s Open continues with live coverage on Sky Sports, and fans can follow the action throughout Saturday and Sunday.
In summary, Charley Hull’s light‑hearted prank on her caddie sparked a flurry of online commentary, but the English golfer remains resolute. She emphasizes her strong relationship with Woodward, dismisses the negativity as harmless, and focuses on the task at hand – delivering a solid performance at Royal Lytham & St Annes and potentially securing her first major championship. The story serves as a reminder that professional athletes often face scrutiny for off‑course antics, yet their ability to stay composed and maintain focus can be the deciding factor in high‑pressure situations.