Charley Hull Doubles Down on Scratchcard Prank: 'People Need to Lighten Up'

Hull Stands Her Ground Amid Prank Backlash

Leave it to Charley Hull to make headlines before hitting a single competitive shot at a major championship. The English fan favorite walked into her opening round at the Women's Open already fielding questions about a viral moment that had nothing to do with her golf swing—and everything to do with her mischievous sense of humor.

Here's what happened: Hull picked up some fake scratchcards from a joke shop in Blackpool ahead of the tournament at Royal Lytham & St Annes. She then gave one to her longtime caddie, Adam Woodward, and filmed his reaction as he believed he'd just won £100,000. The video captured Woodward's emotional rollercoaster—from pure elation to the crushing realization that it was all a gag.

The internet, predictably, had opinions. While plenty of viewers found it hilarious, others called the stunt cruel and unnecessary. Hull? She couldn't care less.

'If People Don't Like It, They Can Lump It'

After posting an opening-round 69 to sit at two-under par, Hull addressed the controversy head-on with the kind of blunt honesty we've come to expect from her.

"People that have complaints about it, I would say loosen up," Hull said. "I think people need to lighten up if they're taking that too seriously because it was pretty funny."

Hull revealed she deletes social media from her phone during tournament weeks to stay focused, so she wasn't seeing the real-time reactions. But even knowing the backlash existed, she remained unapologetic.

"If people don't like it they can lump it, do you know what I mean?" she added. "He thought it was funny after, he is not uptight. It's a joke."

As for Woodward, who has been on Hull's bag for the vast majority of her professional career? Hull says he took it well and even promised to buy him 100 real scratchcards at the end of the week. Whether that's an apology or just Hull being Hull is up for interpretation.

When asked if she'd do something similar again, Hull didn't hesitate: "100%."

Thitikul Fires Historic 64 to Grab Early Lead

While Hull was busy defending her comedic choices, Thailand's Atthaya "Jeeno" Thitikul was putting together something special on the links. Her seven-under 64 tied the lowest score ever recorded in a Women's Open at Royal Lytham, giving her a commanding early lead.

The 23-year-old has been knocking on the door at majors for years now, racking up an incredible 11 top-10 finishes since 2021 without breaking through for a victory. But Lytham might be her place of destiny—she won top amateur honors here as a 15-year-old when the Women's Open visited in 2018.

Thitikul's consistency in the biggest events mirrors Hull's own major frustrations, making their potential weekend showdown all the more compelling.

Ryu Eyes Historic Three-Peat

Lurking just two shots behind Thitikul at five-under is Ryu Hae-ran, who's attempting something that only four women in golf history have accomplished: winning three consecutive major championships.

The South Korean star captured both the PGA Championship and Evian Championship earlier this season, putting her in rarefied air. What makes her run even more remarkable? She hasn't played in any other tournaments outside of those majors—she's essentially shown up to the biggest events and collected trophies.

If Ryu can add the Women's Open claret jug to her collection this week, she'll join an exclusive club that includes legends of the game.

The Week Ahead at Royal Lytham

Hull's five-shot deficit to Thitikul is certainly manageable, especially given the unpredictable nature of links golf. The English crowd will be firmly behind her as she chases that elusive first major title, and her carefree attitude might be exactly what she needs to play loose and free this weekend.

As for the scratchcard drama? It'll fade into the background as the real competition heats up. But it's a perfect reminder of why Hull has become one of golf's most entertaining personalities—she plays by her own rules, on and off the course.

Key Takeaways

• Charley Hull opened with a 69 at Royal Lytham and refuses to apologize for her fake scratchcard prank on caddie Adam Woodward
• Atthaya Thitikul leads at seven-under after firing a historic 64, seeking her first major title
• Ryu Hae-ran sits at five-under, attempting to become just the fifth woman to win three consecutive majors
• Hull trails by five shots but has the backing of the home crowd as she pursues her own major breakthrough