Charley Hull Refuses Apology for £100,000 Scratchcard Prank on 2026

Charley Hull refuses to apologize for her £100,000 scratchcard prank on caddie Adam Woodward, defending the joke as harmless fun. The English golfer sparked controversy ahead of the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes when she tricked her long-time caddie into believing he had won a life-changing sum.

Hull, known for her carefree and playful personality, revealed she bought fake scratchcards from a Blackpool joke shop. She then filmed Woodward’s reaction as he initially celebrated what he thought was a £100,000 win, only to realize it was a prank. The video quickly went viral, drawing both laughter and criticism from fans and commentators.

Charley Hull's Unapologetic Response

After shooting a two-under-par 69 in the first round, Hull addressed the backlash directly. "People that have complaints about it, I would say loosen up," she told reporters. "I don’t have my social media on my phone on tournament weeks. I delete it and when I go home I’ll add it again. I don’t really like people seeing me and tagging me and stuff. I like to keep in the present moment. But I think people need to lighten up if they’re taking that too seriously because it was pretty funny."

Hull also confirmed she would "100%" do it again, adding that Woodward saw the humor in the situation. "He thought it was funny after, he is not uptight," she said. "It’s a joke. If people don’t like it they can lump it, do you know what I mean? I felt bad for Adam but at the end of the day I have just got to have a good week. At the end of the week I’ll buy him 100 scratchcards."

Impact on Her Game and the Tournament

The prank hasn’t seemed to distract Hull, who sits five shots behind early leader Atthaya Thitikul. Thitikul, a Thai star known for her consistency in majors, has posted 11 top-10 finishes since 2021 but has yet to win a major. Interestingly, Thitikul won top amateur honors at Royal Lytham as a 15-year-old in 2018, adding a layer of nostalgia to this year’s event.

Hull’s playful nature is a hallmark of her career, but this incident has sparked a broader debate about the line between humor and cruelty in sports. Some argue that pranking a caddie who has supported her for years crosses a line, while others see it as a refreshing break from the often overly serious world of professional golf.

Comparison of Reactions to the Prank

Key Takeaways from Charley Hull's Prank

• Hull refuses to apologize, saying critics should "loosen up."
• The prank was pre-planned and filmed for social media.
• Woodward, her caddie, reportedly found it funny afterward.
• Hull trails leader Atthaya Thitikul by five shots after round one.
• Thitikul has a history at Royal Lytham, winning amateur honors in 2018.

What This Means for Women's Golf

This incident highlights the growing personality-driven media landscape in sports. Golfers like Hull are using social media to connect with fans, but that comes with scrutiny. The debate over the prank may actually boost viewership for the Women’s Open, as casual fans tune in to see how Hull performs.

At 28, Hull remains one of the most exciting players on tour, known for her aggressive play and unfiltered demeanor. Her refusal to back down from the controversy shows a resilience that could serve her well in major championships.

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