Charley Hull feels encouraged by the level of golf she has displayed throughout the 2026 season, yet she openly acknowledges that a series of injuries have kept her from reaching her full potential. The 30‑year‑old English professional has enjoyed a commendable year so far, securing a top‑10 finish in three of the five women's majors and capturing the season‑opening Ladies European Tour title at the PIF Saudi Ladies International in February. Despite these achievements, Hull, who is set to compete in her eighth straight Solheim Cup later this September, described her campaign to Sky Sports as "hit and miss" because of the physical setbacks she has endured.
"I’ve had weeks where I’ve played some really good golf, and then other weeks I just haven’t shown up," Hull explained ahead of the PIF London Championship, which is being broadcast live on Sky Sports. "A lot of that inconsistency comes from the injuries that have been nagging me.
I find it difficult to get my swing exactly where I want it, and I’m feeling a lot of stiffness this week." Hull’s injury history dates back to July 2025, when she suffered a back strain, followed by ligament damage to her ankle in August of the same year. She has been managing both problems ever since, often adjusting her practice routine and employing physiotherapy to stay competitive. "My back is a bit sore today, actually," she said during a recent interview.
"When you have a long week of competition, the soreness definitely shows up." The British golfer’s recent performance at the AIG Women’s Open illustrated both her resilience and the lingering impact of her physical issues. Heading into the final round, Hull was only five strokes off the lead, a position that placed her firmly in contention. On the front nine she recorded three birdies, two double‑bogeys and a single bogey, a mixed bag that reflected the swing inconsistencies she has been battling.
After the turn she created several birdie opportunities but was unable to convert enough of them to close the gap, ultimately finishing tied for sixth. Hull was candid about the challenges she faced on the greens.
"I didn’t putt very well at all," she admitted. "Two double‑bogeys in the final round and a bogey on the eighth hole cost me dearly. I gave myself birdie chances on every hole on the back nine, but I just couldn’t finish them. The pressure of trying to win my first major on home soil was enormous, and it certainly affected my putting stroke." Despite the disappointment, Hull emphasized the positive aspects of the tournament.
She spoke about the atmosphere at Royal Lytham & St Annes, where thousands of supporters cheered her on throughout the week. "It’s an intense week for me, but I tried to sign pretty much every autograph because without the fans there wouldn’t be a golf event. You always have to give back," she said.
"Seeing people chant your name and watching younger fans look up to you is incredibly rewarding. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s also pretty cool.
I hope some of those kids will be playing the AIG Women’s Open themselves in ten years." Hull’s upcoming schedule includes a tee‑off alongside Patty Tavatanakit and Alison Lee at the Centurion Club at 8:14 a.m. on Thursday, where she will aim to add another title to her résumé at the PIF London Championship. The event will be televised on Sky Sports Golf, with round one and two coverage beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and the final two rounds streamed live from 1 p.m.
on Saturday and Sunday. Looking ahead, Hull remains focused on managing her back and ankle issues while maintaining a competitive edge.
She has been working closely with her medical team to implement a tailored conditioning program that emphasizes core stability, flexibility, and targeted strength work for the lower body. The goal is to reduce the risk of re‑injury and to restore the fluidity of her swing that has been a hallmark of her game. In addition to physical preparation, Hull is also investing time in mental coaching. The pressure of performing at major championships, especially on home soil, can amplify the effects of any lingering discomfort.
By developing stronger mental routines, she hopes to stay composed under pressure and to keep her focus on shot execution rather than on the sensations in her back or ankle. Overall, Charley Hull’s 2026 season has been a blend of notable successes and frustrating setbacks.
While her tournament results demonstrate that she can still compete with the world’s best, the injuries she has been carrying have introduced an element of unpredictability to her performance. Hull’s candid reflections highlight both the physical realities of professional golf and the emotional connection she feels with the fans who support her. As she heads into the PIF London Championship and later the Solheim Cup, she will continue to balance the demands of recovery with the ambition to add more victories to her career.