Charley Hull caddie prank drama continues to dominate headlines at the Women’s Open, but the 30-year-old English golfer is not backing down. After firing a resilient 71 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Hull addressed the fallout from her fake scratchcard trick on caddie Adam Woodward, urging critics to “grow a pair of balls” and focus on the bigger picture.
Charley Hull’s Prank: What Happened?
During the first round of the Women’s Open, Hull convinced her longtime caddie, Adam Woodward, that he had won £100,000 from a scratchcard. The prank, which was caught on camera, sparked fierce backlash, with golf legend Laura Davies calling it “extremely cruel.” Hull, however, sees it differently—she views it as a reflection of their close bond.
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“What people don’t understand is mine and Adam’s relationship,” Hull explained. “We’re very, very close. He’s like a big brother to me. He is one of my best friends.” Woodward has since shrugged off the incident, confirming that their friendship remains strong.
Hull’s Defiant Response to Critics
Instead of apologizing, Hull doubled down. After round one, she told detractors to “loosen up,” and after round two, she went further. “You put yourself in the limelight so you would be silly to think there will not be comments like that,” she said. “I think you see some people saying: ‘I really struggle from these comments.’ They’re almost looking for sympathy.”
Hull’s blunt advice? “Grow a pair of balls and just forget about it. Because if that’s the worst thing in life, people saying bad stuff about you, you really have not got life that bad.” She credited her boyfriend’s perspective: “Free publicity is good publicity. Today’s newspaper is tomorrow’s fish-and-chip paper.”

How the Prank Affects Her Game
Despite the controversy, Hull’s performance on the course has been solid. She opened with a strong first round and followed up with a 71 in the second, keeping herself in contention. Her ability to compartmentalize off-course noise is a testament to her mental toughness.
Many athletes struggle with criticism, but Hull’s approach is refreshingly direct. She refuses to let external opinions dictate her mindset, focusing instead on her game and her team.
Comparison: Hull vs. Other Golfers’ Reactions to Criticism
| Player | Reaction to Criticism | On-Course Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Charley Hull | Defiant, dismissive, “grow a pair” | Strong start, 71 in round 2 |
| Laura Davies | Critical of prank, called it cruel | Retired, no current impact |
| Typical Pro Golfer | Often apologetic or silent | Varies, can be distracted |
Key Takeaways from Charley Hull’s Prank Saga
- Close relationships in golf can justify playful pranks that outsiders misinterpret.
- Hull’s mental resilience is a key strength, allowing her to block out negative comments.
- The prank has generated significant media attention, which Hull sees as free publicity.
- Her caddie, Adam Woodward, has taken the prank in stride, confirming their strong bond.
- Hull’s performance at Royal Lytham shows she can separate off-course drama from on-course focus.
What’s Next for Hull at the Women’s Open?
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Hull to see if she can maintain her form. Her fearless attitude may be exactly what she needs to secure her first major title. With her caddie by her side, the pair are determined to let their golf do the talking.
Whether you love or hate the prank, one thing is clear: Charley Hull is unapologetically herself, and that’s what makes her one of the most compelling figures in women’s golf today.