Charley Hull expressed optimism about the quality of her golf this year, yet she openly acknowledged that a series of injuries have kept her from reaching her full potential. The 30‑year‑old English professional has enjoyed a strong 2026 campaign, highlighted by top‑10 finishes in three of the five women’s major championships and a victory at the Ladies European Tour’s season‑opening event, the PIF Saudi Ladies International, back in February. Despite these achievements, Hull, who is set to compete in her eighth straight Solheim Cup later this September, described her season to Sky Sports as "hit and miss" because of the physical setbacks she has endured. "I’ve had weeks where I’ve been playing very solid golf, and then there are other weeks where I just don’t show up," Hull explained ahead of the PIF London Championship, which was being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
"That inconsistency is largely down to the injuries I’m dealing with. It’s difficult to get my swing feeling the way I want it to feel, 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.
Both issues have required ongoing management and have occasionally flared up during competition, affecting her ability to maintain a smooth, repeatable swing. In recent weeks Hull found herself in contention at the AIG Women’s Open, positioning herself just five strokes behind the leader as she headed into the final round. Her front nine featured a mix of three birdies, two double‑bogeys and a single bogey, illustrating the volatile nature of her play when her body is not fully cooperating.
After the turn she created several birdie opportunities but was unable to close the gap, ultimately finishing tied for sixth. She candidly reflected on the round, noting that her putting was a particular weakness.
"I really struggled with my putting today," she said. "Two double‑bogeys in the final round and a bogey on the eighth really hurt my chances. I kept giving myself birdie chances on the back nine, but I just couldn’t finish them.
The pressure of trying to win my first major on home soil added to the challenge, and I think that’s why I feel so drained now." Hull also spoke about the emotional side of competing in front of a massive home crowd at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Thousands of fans lined the course, offering encouragement and signing autographs. She expressed a desire to inspire younger players, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with being a role model. "It’s an intense week, but I try to sign as many autographs as possible because without the fans there would be no tournament.
It’s amazing to see people cheering your name and to know that younger golfers are looking up to you. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I hope that some of those kids will be playing the AIG Women’s Open a decade from now." Looking ahead, Hull will tee off alongside Patty Tavatanakit and Alison Lee at the Centurion Club for the PIF London Championship.
She hopes to add another title to her resume, despite the lingering stiffness in her back and the lingering soreness in her ankle. The upcoming tournament will be covered live on Sky Sports Golf, with the first two rounds airing at 2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, followed by the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday starting at 1 p.m.
Hull’s goal is to manage her physical limitations, stay mentally focused, and deliver a performance that reflects the talent and determination that have defined her career, even when her body does not fully cooperate.