Charley Hull has made it clear that the wave of criticism surrounding her recent caddie prank has not rattled her at all. Despite a night of limited rest, the English golfer arrived at Royal Lytham & St Annes ready to defend her position near the top of the AIG Women’s Open leaderboard.
After opening the tournament with a solid 69, Hull posted a level‑par 71 on Friday morning. The round featured an even mix of three birdies and three bogeys, leaving her two strokes under par and firmly in contention as the final major of the season heads into the weekend. Her performance demonstrates that the distraction of social‑media chatter has not interfered with her focus on the course.
The controversy began when Hull publicly revealed that, before the tournament, she had convinced her caddie, Adam "Adsy" Woodward, that he had won a £100,000 prize on a scratch‑card. The prank was filmed after Hull purchased a novelty ticket from a Blackpool joke shop, and the video quickly spread online. Many users on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram expressed disapproval, arguing that the stunt was in poor taste and unprofessional.
Hull, however, has remained unbothered. She told reporters after her second round that the relationship she shares with Woodward goes far beyond a typical player‑caddie dynamic. "We’re incredibly close – he’s like a big brother and one of my best friends," she said.
"He’s always ribbing me, and he thought the joke was hilarious too. When people start criticizing us, I just tell them to lighten up." She added that humor is a core part of her personality and that her inner circle understands it perfectly.
"If you don’t get my sense of humour, that’s fine – my friends do, and that’s why we click. I wouldn’t pull a stunt like that on someone who might take it the wrong way," Hull explained. Woodward, known among his peers for his love of practical jokes, responded with enthusiasm.
He texted Hull the night after the prank, calling it "one of the funniest weeks ever" and urging critics to stop the negative commentary. "He’s loving the attention," Hull noted, emphasizing that the banter is a two‑way street and that both of them enjoy the light‑hearted atmosphere.
When pressed about how she deals with the backlash, Hull offered a pragmatic perspective: "Negative comments actually motivate me to play better. We live in a world where people expect perfection, and that pressure can stop you from enjoying life. I just stay true to myself.
Our household is full of banter – we’re always teasing each other. It’s how I was raised, and I think people need to develop a thicker skin." Hull also pointed out that public figures should anticipate scrutiny. "If you put yourself in the spotlight, you have to expect criticism.
Some people seem to be looking for sympathy by claiming I’m struggling because of the comments, but that’s not the case," she said. "There are many people facing far tougher challenges than a few online remarks. If that’s the worst thing you experience, you’re not really living a bad life." The Englishwoman, a five‑time major runner‑up who has finished second twice at this event in the past three years, admitted she had only managed about three hours of sleep before her second round.
Despite the fatigue, she felt her nerves had settled and was eager to continue the fight. "My back was a little sore today, which affected my swing a bit, but I’m feeling better now," she explained. "I’m not as far behind as I was last year, and I’m looking forward to a fun, competitive weekend." Hull’s calm demeanor and determination have resonated with many fans who appreciate her candidness. While the prank sparked a brief storm of debate, her on‑course performance has kept her in the conversation for the title.
As the tournament progresses, the focus will shift back to the leaderboard, where Hull sits just two strokes under par, ready to challenge for the elusive major victory. For those following the AIG Women’s Open, live coverage will continue throughout the weekend on Sky Sports Golf, with streaming options available without a contract. The tournament promises more drama, skill, and perhaps a few more moments of light‑hearted banter as the world’s top women golfers vie for the championship.