Charley Hull faces backlash after caddie prank
Charley Hull, the 30-year-old English golfer ranked seventh in the world, has ignited controversy after a prank involving her caddie Adam Woodward. Hull deceived Woodward into believing he had won £100,000 from a lottery scratchcard she sourced from a joke shop, capturing the entire incident on film, reports BritPanorama.
The prank has drawn criticism, with four-time major champion Dame Laura Davies describing it as “extremely cruel” during her commentary duties. However, Hull remains unapologetic, asserting that Woodward found it amusing after the fact. “If people don’t like it, they can lump it, do you know what I mean?” she stated.
Following her opening round at the AIG Women’s Open, Hull reiterated her stance, saying, “Yeah, 100 percent,” when asked if she would do it again. Woodward is already plotting his return, suggesting he might prank Hull in retaliation. “Revenge is going to be great,” he remarked, hinting at his plans for a light-hearted comeback.
Despite the prank, Hull expressed a sense of guilt, acknowledging, “I felt bad for Adsy, but at the end of the day, I just got to have a good week.” On the course, she managed a solid 2-under 69 in the first round at Royal Lytham & St Annes, though she admitted to feeling nervous at the start. Hull noted the pressure of performing well, stating, “I feel there was a lot of pressure on me out there.”
As Hull competes in this week’s tournament, which features a $10 million purse, the stakes are high not only for her performance but also for her ongoing pursuit of a major title—having finished second in five previous major events. “I don’t really see it as a rivalry at the minute,” Hull said regarding world number one Nelly Korda, instead focusing on her quest for that elusive first victory.
In the midst of the prank controversy and competitive pressures, Hull has taken steps to maintain focus, removing social media from her phone during tournament weeks to avoid distractions. This habit kept her unaware of the wider reactions to her prank, allowing her to concentrate on her game and the challenges it presents.
As the tension unfolds between Hull, Woodward, and the expectations of her sport, it serves as a reminder of how the personal dynamics within golf can elevate the stakes both on and off the course.
