As the new season begins in unexpected cold, Charley Hull talks mindset, momentum and why enjoying the challenge still brings out her best golf
Charley Hull does not need much convincing to enjoy Lake Nona. As she arrives back at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, her first reaction is simple and instinctive. “Yeah, it’s great,” she says. “I really like this golf course. It’s super nice.”
What she did not expect was the temperature. “It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” she laughs, already setting the tone for a week that feels both familiar and slightly surreal.
A course that suits her eye
Hull has always gravitated towards courses that demand imagination, and Lake Nona fits that mould. The fast greens and tight lies around the putting surfaces force players to be precise, especially when chipping. “There is quite tight lies all round the golf course you’re chipping on,” she explains. “It’s a bit different to what it’s been like in the UK.”
More than anything, she likes the feel of the place. “It’s a good warm up to the season, tests your game, and I just like it. It’s just got a good vibe to it.”
Finding her rhythm again
Coming into the week, Hull is refreshingly honest about where her game stands. “I wouldn’t really know to be fair,” she admits. Winter has meant plenty of indoor practice at home, with only a short trip to Dubai providing outdoor golf. “I went to Dubai for a few days and practised and played well out there.”
This week, though, is about more than results. “Obviously I want to win this week. It’s a great event,” she says. “It’s good as well for a warm up to get back into the season.”
A glimpse of what is coming
One of the biggest talking points around the game is the WTGL, and Hull’s enthusiasm is unmistakable. Seeing it in person left a lasting impression. “I watched and I was like, wow, this is pretty unbelievable,” she says. “We need one of them in the UK actually when it’s cold.”
She was struck by the detail and realism. “The way that green moved round, how the ball reacted when I chipped on it, how it putted, the screen… honestly, I was so impressed by it. They’ve done a great job.”
Having a swing studio at home means the concept is not entirely foreign, but the scale is. “You need to go there in real life to get the full gist of everything because it’s pretty unbelievable to see.” For Hull, the overriding feeling is excitement. “I think it’s going to be super fun. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Keeping it simple
As she looks ahead to the new season, Hull is not overcomplicating things. “Not too much different from last year to be fair,” she says. “Just go out there, have fun. I know what you’ve got to do to win. Not put too much pressure on myself and just enjoy it.”
That mindset was reinforced by her win at the Kroger event last year. “I went into that week with an injury, so I didn’t have too high expectations,” she recalls. The lesson stuck. “I sometimes expect too much of myself. When I’m not too focused about golf, that’s when I play my best golf.”
Easing back into competition
Despite a strong season behind her, Hull admits to nerves this week. She has played just one full round in the past six weeks due to poor weather at home. “I’ve been practising loads, working on my swing,” she says, “but it’s different when you’ve got 18 holes and a scorecard in your hand.”
Rather than viewing this as a reset, she prefers a gradual build. “It’s good to slowly build up for the season.”
Cold weather character
Hull’s relationship with cold weather is almost contradictory. Back home, she will happily head out in freezing conditions. “On New Year’s Day it was minus six and frosty and I went out and played, carried my bag,” she says. “I wasn’t that cold.”
Florida, however, has caught her out. “Yesterday morning I was absolutely froze. My feet were frozen,” she says, laughing. “Florida cold is completely different to England cold.” The solution involved a hair dryer in the locker room and some amused looks from fellow players.
She puts it down to circulation and contrast. “I was in Thailand before, it was 35 degrees. As long as I keep moving, I’ll be fine.”
Gratitude over grievance
When asked about comments suggesting men and women should be competing together in the WTGL, Hull’s response is measured. “I’m just grateful for them giving us an opportunity,” she says. “Fair play to them. I really respect that.”
She sees it as a foundation to build on. “You never know, in a couple of years’ time they could do something like that.”
Life beyond golf
Away from the course, Hull’s warmth comes through when talking about her close friend Georgia and her pregnancy. With several nephews already, Hull has taken on an advisory role. “I’m really good with babies. She’s not really good around babies,” she says, smiling, recounting conversations filled with practical tips and gentle teasing.
Managing the body
Cold weather does bring physical challenges, particularly after last season’s injuries. “My lower right back and my hip,” she says. “I’ve got to make sure I warm up properly and keep moving.” Spectators may notice her constantly shifting between shots. “You see me shuffling out there, you know why.”
Loving the test
For all the complaints about the cold, Hull thrives in tough conditions. “I love it,” she says. “I like the mental toughness of it. I like being outside.”
She enjoys courses that ask hard questions, and Lake Nona will do just that this week. “Last time I hit gap wedge into the last hole. Yesterday I hit four iron,” she says. “It’s going to be tricky out there, but I enjoy that.”
In the end, her outlook is simple and unmistakably Charley Hull. “You just put me on the golf course, I’ll enjoy it anyway,” she says. “Let’s get excited for the next shot and prove to myself I can execute it.”
