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 69, the English golfer posted a level‑par 71 on Friday morning at Royal Lytham & St Annes, carding three birdies and three bogeys to sit two strokes under par and remain firmly in the hunt for the season’s final major. The controversy began when Hull revealed, before the tournament started, that she had duped her caddie Adam "Adsy" Woodward into believing he had won a £100,000 scratch‑card.
She filmed the ruse after buying a counterfeit ticket from a novelty shop in Blackpool and posted the video online. The clip quickly spread across social media, prompting a wave of criticism from some fans who felt the joke was in poor taste.
Hull, however, says the negative comments have done little to affect her game. She explained that the relationship she shares with Woodward is more akin to a brother‑sister bond than a typical player‑caddie partnership.
"We’re extremely close – he’s like a big brother and one of my best friends," she said after her round. "He was in on the joke from the start and found it hilarious. When people start whining about it, I just tell them to lighten up." She added that humor is a core part of her personality and her inner circle. "If my friends get my sense of humor, that’s why they’re my friends.
I wouldn’t pull a stunt on someone who wouldn’t take it well," Hull asserted. "The banter between us is constant, and it’s how I was raised.
People need to develop a thicker skin." Woodward, known among his peers as the "king of pranks," apparently enjoyed the attention the stunt generated. He texted Hull the night before her second round, describing the week as "one of the funniest ever" because of the prank.
He urged critics to stop posting negative remarks, emphasizing that the joke was all in good fun. When pressed about how she handles the online negativity, Hull responded with a mix of defiance and pragmatism.
"The criticism actually fuels me to perform better," she said. "We live in a world where any misstep is magnified, and that can stop people from living authentically. I’m not going to let a few sour comments dictate my mood." Hull also highlighted the privilege of her position, pointing out that many people face far more serious challenges. "There are people in far tougher situations than worrying about a prank," she remarked.
"If that’s the worst thing you have to deal with, you’re not living a bad life." Despite the drama, Hull entered her second round with only about three hours of sleep, a testament to her dedication and resilience. The 27‑year‑old, a five‑time major runner‑up who has finished second twice at this event in the past three years, said she felt her nerves had settled and was eager for the weekend ahead.
"I’m really looking forward to it – it’s going to be loads of fun," Hull said. "My back was a little sore today, which affected my swing a bit, but I’m feeling better than I was last year heading into the weekend." Hull’s performance places her among the leaders as the tournament moves into its decisive stages.
Fans can continue to follow the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage extending through Saturday’s midday round. The AIG Women’s Open remains wide open, and Hull’s blend of competitive fire and unapologetic humor adds an intriguing narrative to the chase for golf’s most coveted trophies. As the weekend unfolds, Hull’s message to detractors remains consistent: stay resilient, enjoy the game, and perhaps learn to laugh at yourself a little.
Whether she ultimately lifts the trophy or not, her ability to compartmentalize criticism and stay focused on her performance exemplifies the mental toughness required at the highest level of the sport.