Charley Hull is no stranger to overcoming adversity, but her latest health setback has raised eyebrows and questions about her future in the sport. The talented English golfer, known for her fierce competitiveness and resilience, has recently opened up about a serious back injury that threatens to derail her promising season. Just when it seemed she was hitting her stride with a victory at the Kroger Queen City Championship and a runner-up finish at the AIG Women’s Open, the 29-year-old revealed the daunting challenges she faces off the course.
In an insightful conversation on the LPGA Tour podcast, alongside Emma Talley and Hope Barnett, Hull candidly discussed her rigorous training regimen and the mental fortitude required to excel despite physical setbacks. “I’ve always been a very good practicer,” she asserted, showcasing her dedication. Fans have been privy to her intense practice sessions through her social media, where she documents her journey to mastery with relentless drills and challenges. With her putting coach, Nick Soto, Hull has embraced pressure-filled scenarios to sharpen her skills, stating, “That’s really helping me. I like the feeling of pressure.”
Those efforts are undeniably paying off. Hull’s statistics this season speak volumes; she has transformed her game, skyrocketing from an average of 0.12 strokes gained on the green in 2024 to an impressive 0.76 this year, positioning her as the 15th best player on the LPGA Tour. Her overall performance has also surged, with her strokes gained average soaring from 1.43 to 2.06, making her the fourth-best in the league. Yet, this remarkable progress comes with a heavy price.
Just weeks before the prestigious Amundi Evian Championship, Hull suffered a back injury while lifting a box, a seemingly innocuous act that led to a cascade of complications. She described the aftermath with a stark realism, revealing, “I tore something, and now I’ve got these cysts growing on the side of my spine.” The injury forced her to withdraw from the French major, where she faced a harrowing moment, fainting during her first round and being escorted off the course on a stretcher. While her MRI revealed no severe structural damage, the cysts are a significant concern, limiting her ability to engage fully in her training routine.
The restrictions imposed by her injuries have been frustrating for Hull. “So I can’t ever lift weights again in the gym,” she lamented, emphasizing how much she prefers cardio over strength training. Her ankle injury further complicates her recovery, leaving her reliant on low-impact activities such as skiing and resistance band exercises. Despite these hurdles, Hull’s competitive spirit remains undeterred.
Remarkably, Hull has continued to deliver exceptional performances against formidable competition. Since her fainting incident, she has been a force on the course, securing top finishes in both the LPGA and Ladies European Tours. Her victories and near-wins have ignited discussions about whether these struggles have somehow fueled her determination to excel. With a recent fourth-place finish at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and a strong showing at the Aramco Houston Championship, the question looms: is this the best version of Charley Hull we’ve ever seen?
As she battles through injuries and navigates the complexities of recovery, the golf world watches closely. Hull’s resilience and tenacity make her a formidable competitor, and as she aims for her fourth career title, her fellow LPGA stars should brace themselves for the unyielding spirit of a wounded warrior. Whether her injuries will ultimately hinder her or propel her to new heights remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Charley Hull is a name that will continue to dominate the headlines.
