Charley Hull acknowledges that while she has enjoyed a strong season, lingering injuries have kept her from playing at her absolute best. The 30‑year‑old English golfer has had a notable 2026 campaign, 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 year to Sky Sports as "hit and miss" because of physical setbacks.
"I’ve been playing some very good golf and then other weeks I don’t really show up, but that’s because of my injuries," Hull explained ahead of the PIF London Championship, which was being broadcast live on Sky Sports. "I find it very hard to swing and get my swing where I want it to be. I’m managing it quite well, but I feel very stiff 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. Both issues have required ongoing management and have occasionally limited her ability to train and compete at full capacity.
"My back is a bit sore today, actually," she said, noting that a packed tournament schedule can exacerbate the discomfort. The English star’s recent performance at the AIG Women’s Open illustrated both her resilience and the challenges she still faces. After a solid first round, Hull found herself five shots off the lead heading into the final round. She posted a mixed front‑nine of three birdies, two double‑bogeys and a bogey, and despite creating several birdie opportunities on the back nine, she could not close the gap, ultimately finishing tied for sixth.
Hull was candid about her putting woes: "I didn’t putt very well at all. Those two doubles in my final round cost me and the bogey on the eighth hole.
Then I gave myself a birdie chance every hole on the back nine, and I just didn’t hole it. I just didn’t get my putter going, but I felt like I was under so much pressure last week with everything going on." Even with the disappointment of missing a top‑five finish, Hull emphasized the positive aspects of her week. She highlighted the energy from the crowd at Royal Lytham & St Annes and expressed a desire to inspire younger players.
"It’s an intense week for me, but I tried to sign pretty much every autograph there because if it wasn’t for the fans there wouldn’t be a golf event, so you should always give back. It’s so nice to see people out there cheering your name and the younger generation. 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 realise how intense it can be. But it’s pretty cool, it’s nice to see, and hopefully one of them will be out playing the AIG Women’s Open in 10 years’ time," she said.
Looking ahead, Hull will tee off alongside Patty Tavatanakit and Alison Lee at the Centurion Club for the PIF London Championship. The tournament begins at 8:14 a.m. on Thursday, with the first two rounds televised from 2 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf and the final rounds broadcast live from 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Hull hopes to add another title to her résumé, even as she continues to juggle the demands of recovery and elite competition. Beyond the immediate tournament, Hull’s broader goals remain focused on the upcoming Solheim Cup.
As a veteran member of the European team, she understands the importance of experience and leadership in a high‑pressure team environment. While she admits that the year has been uneven, she remains optimistic that managing her injuries effectively will allow her to contribute meaningfully when the European side faces the United States later in the season. In summary, Charley Hull’s 2026 season showcases a blend of high‑level performance and the reality of playing through injury. Her top‑10 finishes in three majors and a win at the Saudi Ladies International demonstrate her skill and tenacity, yet the lingering back and ankle issues have introduced inconsistency.
Hull’s candid reflections on her swing, stiffness, and putting challenges provide insight into the day‑to‑day battle athletes face when coping with physical limitations. As she prepares for the PIF London Championship and the Solheim Cup, Hull’s focus on recovery, fan engagement, and inspiring the next generation underscores her commitment to the sport, both on and off the course.