Charley Hull, a fierce advocate for change in the world of golf, has never shied away from voicing her opinions on the game she loves. From her candid critiques of slow play to her passionate discussions about the evolving nature of the sport, Hull has emerged as a refreshing voice in the golf community. Recently, she tackled the outdated stereotype that golf is an “old man’s game,” and her insights have brought a spotlight to the transformative impact of younger stars like Lexi Thompson and Nelly Korda.
For years, golf has been pigeonholed as a sport for the elderly, largely due to its perceived slow pace and low physical demands. Hull, however, is on a mission to dismantle this stereotype. In a revealing conversation with LPGA Tour content host Hope Barnett, she articulated her concerns about how such perceptions can stifle interest from younger, diverse players. “My dad always thought golf was an old man’s sport until he tried it, and he was like, ‘It’s the best sport in the world.’ And you know, once you get the bug for it, it really is,” Hull stated, emphasizing the joy and excitement that the game can bring.
Hull’s praise for Lexi Thompson and Nelly Korda is not just about their performances on the course; it’s about how they engage with fans and embody a new era of golf. She remarked, “Lexi, I think, she’s brilliant for the game of golf, and so is Nelly. Do you know what I mean? I think, like Nelly, like Lexi, is unbelievable with the fans. Like she always spends a lot of time with fans, and I like that. Um, so credit to her.” This connection with fans is crucial in reshaping golf’s image and making it more appealing to a younger audience.
The stereotype surrounding golf is not isolated; similar misconceptions have plagued various sports, often discouraging participation from diverse groups. Hull argues that if young kids perceive golf as an “old man’s game,” they are less likely to pick up a club. “To like golf, one needs to play it. However, the stereotype is acting as a deterrent,” she observed, highlighting a critical barrier to entry for the sport.
Thompson and Korda are not just role models on the course; their interactions with fans have become legendary. During the 2024 Solheim Cup, Thompson took the time to connect with supporters, signing autographs and taking selfies as she made her way through the course. Her captain, Stecy Lewis, praised Thompson’s ability to resonate with the crowd, stating, “I think it is her legacy… Just the way she is with the crowd and the fans, this event is Lexi to a T.”
Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked female golfer, also shares this commitment to fan engagement. Reflecting on her experiences, she said, “Today I had a girl come up to me, and she gave me another Lego set. It was so cute. I’m getting them every week now. I love it. It’s saving me money (laughter). But moments like that, interactions like that, that fuels my love for the game.” Such heartfelt exchanges are vital in reshaping the narrative around golf, making it feel more accessible and welcoming.
Yet, Hull’s commentary doesn’t stop at stereotypes. She has been vocal about the slow pace of play, which she believes detracts from the excitement of the sport. Following a particularly sluggish outing at the ANNIKA event, she suggested that stricter penalties for slow play could be the solution. “If you have three of them, you lose your Tour card instantly. I’m sure that would hurry a lot of people up,” she asserted, underscoring her frustration while also advocating for a faster-paced game.
While some fans speculated that Hull’s comments were directed at Thompson, she clarified that her concerns were broader and aimed at improving the overall pace of play in the tour. Her feedback has not gone unheard; the LPGA has since updated its pace-of-play policy, introducing fines and penalties to encourage quicker rounds.
Charley Hull’s insights reflect a significant evolution within the LPGA Tour. With a renewed focus on fan interactions and an effort to address issues like slow play, the tour is not just adapting but thriving. As younger players like Thompson and Korda take center stage, they are instrumental in breaking down long-standing stereotypes and redefining the future of women’s golf. The landscape of golf is changing, and Hull’s voice is a powerful catalyst for that transformation.
