Charley Hull entered the 2026 season with a sense of optimism, buoyed by a series of strong showings that placed her among the elite of women’s golf. The 30‑year‑old English professional has already carved out a respectable résumé this year, finishing inside the top ten in three of the five major championships on the women’s calendar. In February she captured the season‑opening Ladies European Tour event, the PIF Saudi Ladies International, adding a prestigious title to her growing list of achievements. Despite these highlights, Hull has been candid about the fact that lingering injuries have kept her from performing at the level she knows she is capable of.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the PIF London Championship, she described the season as a "hit and miss" affair. "I’ve had weeks where I’ve been playing some very good golf, and then other weeks I just don’t show up," she explained. "That inconsistency is largely down to the physical issues I’m still managing." Hull’s injuries date back to the previous year.

In July 2025 she suffered a back strain that required ongoing treatment, and just a month later she sustained ligament damage in her ankle. Both problems have lingered into the current season, affecting everything from her swing mechanics to her overall confidence on the course. "I find it very hard to swing and get my swing where I want it to be," Hull said, noting that the stiffness in her back often leaves her feeling "very stiff" during tournament weeks.

She added that long competition days exacerbate the discomfort, making it a constant battle to stay comfortable while trying to compete at the highest level. Hull’s resilience, however, has been evident in her recent performances.

At last week’s AIG Women’s Open, she surged into contention during the final round, finding herself just five strokes off the lead at the turn. Her front‑nine card featured a mix of three birdies, two double‑bogeys and a single bogey, illustrating both her scoring potential and the volatility that injuries can introduce. After the halfway point she created several birdie opportunities but was unable to capitalize fully, ultimately finishing tied for sixth. In reflecting on that round, Hull admitted that her putting had been a major weakness: "I didn’t putt very well at all.

Those two doubles in my final round cost me, and the bogey on the eighth hole did as well. I gave myself a birdie chance on every hole on the back nine, but I just didn’t hole it." The pressure of trying to claim her first major title on home soil added an extra layer of mental strain. Hull described feeling "under so much pressure" and acknowledged that the combination of physical pain and mental stress left her "drained" after the tournament.

Nevertheless, she chose to focus on the positives, emphasizing that the experience will serve as a learning curve for future majors. Beyond the scores, Hull has been deeply moved by the support of the fans at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Thousands of spectators lined the course, cheering her on and providing a palpable boost to her morale. She made a point of signing autographs for as many fans as possible, recognizing that the sport’s vitality depends on the connection between players and supporters. "If it weren’t for the fans, there wouldn’t be a golf event," she said. "You should always give back.

It’s so nice to see people out there cheering your name and the younger generation." Hull expressed a heartfelt desire to inspire the next wave of golfers. "It’s really cool to have younger fans looking up to me.

It’s a lot to have on your shoulders, though. I didn’t realize how intense it can be," she admitted.

Yet she remains hopeful that today’s admirers will become tomorrow’s competitors: "It’s pretty cool, it’s nice to see, and hopefully one of them will be out playing the AIG Women’s Open in ten years’ time." Looking ahead, Hull will line up alongside Patty Tavatanakit and Alison Lee at the Centurion Club for the PIF London Championship, which kicks off at 8:14 a.m. on Thursday.

The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf, with rounds one and two airing at 2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, followed by the final two rounds at 1 p.m.

on Saturday and Sunday. Hull hopes to convert her recent form into a victory, despite the ongoing challenges posed by her back and ankle.

She remains determined to manage her injuries carefully, stay competitive, and continue to serve as a role model for aspiring golfers worldwide.