Charley Hull

Charley Hull Bio

Charley Esmee Hull (born 20 March 1996) is an English professional golfer who has won tournaments on both the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour. Aged nine, Hull won the Ladies Golf Union Championship, playing against adults. She went on to have a successful amateur career, winning several national titles, and she was selected by Europe for the Junior Solheim Cup in 2011, and by Great Britain and Ireland for the Curtis Cup in 2012. Hull turned professional in 2013, and after ten top-10 finishes and a debut appearance at the 2013 Solheim Cup, she was named LET Rookie of the Year. Her first LET title was achieved at the 2014 Lalla Meryem Cup, and she won the LET Order of Merit at the end of the same year. Hull has won eight professional titles during her career, including three on the LPGA Tour and four on the LET. She has ten top-10 finishes in majors and has finished runner-up on four occasions: at the 2016 ANA Inspiration, the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open, the 2023 Women’s British Open, and the 2025 Women’s British Open. Hull has competed in seven Solheim Cups, winning three, and has a career high year-end world ranking of eighth.

Early Life and Background

Charley Hull was born in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England. She was first introduced to golf when she was two years old, playing with her father at Kettering Golf Club. Hull joined Woburn Golf Club at a young age and later left school at the age of thirteen to be home-schooled. This decision allowed her to focus on golf, dedicating her time to practice and development. Hull has cited Laura Davies as a role model, noting similarities in their aggressive playing style. She also looked up to Seve Ballesteros, who inspired her approach to the game.

Path to Golf

Hull gained public attention at the age of nine when she won the Ladies Golf Union Championship at Turnberry, competing against adults. She continued to excel in amateur events, winning several titles in Great Britain and the United States, and became ranked in the top-10 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings. In 2011, she represented Europe in the Junior Solheim Cup and later in the Curtis Cup in 2012. Hull turned professional on 1 January 2013, making her debut on the Ladies European Tour at the Lalla Meryem Cup, where she finished T2nd. Her impressive early performances led to her selection for the 2013 Solheim Cup, making her the youngest player to compete in the tournament.

Charley Hull Career

Early Career (2013-2014)

In her first year as a professional, Hull achieved remarkable success with multiple top finishes, including four consecutive second-place finishes. She was awarded the Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year and recognized as the Best International Newcomer by the Sports Journalists’ Association. In March 2014, just before her 18th birthday, Hull won her first professional title at the Lalla Meryem Cup, where she staged a remarkable comeback to win in a playoff. She concluded 2014 by becoming the youngest player to win the LET Order of Merit, solidifying her status as a rising star in women’s golf.

Breakthrough (2015-2016)

Hull’s breakthrough moment came in 2016 when she won her first LPGA Tour title at the CME Group Tour Championship. She finished the event with a tournament record 19-under-par, securing a significant victory and a $500,000 prize. Hull also had a strong showing at the 2016 ANA Inspiration, finishing as the runner-up. Her performance throughout the year included five top-ten finishes on the LPGA Tour, and she concluded the year ranked 16th in the world.

Notable Works and Milestones

Hull’s signature works include her performances at major championships and her contributions to the Solheim Cup, where she has been a key player for Europe. She has won multiple awards, including the Ladies European Tour Player of the Year in 2014, and has established herself as one of the top competitors in women’s golf.

Charley Hull Award Nominations

Throughout her career, Charley Hull has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances in golf, particularly during her early years as a professional and her achievements in major tournaments.

Charley Hull Awards Won

Charley Hull has won several prestigious awards, including the Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year in 2013 and the Ladies European Tour Player of the Year in 2014. Her accolades reflect her talent and impact on the sport.

Charley Hull Family

Charley Hull was born to parents Dave and Basienka, the latter of whom is of Polish descent. She has two half-sisters, one from each parent. Hull married Ozzie Smith, a mixed martial arts fighter, in September 2019, but the couple later divorced in 2021.

Personal Life

Hull has a keen interest in fashion and has collaborated with various clothing sponsors. She is also a fitness enthusiast, preferring running and weight training over traditional golf exercises. In July 2023, Hull revealed her diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, discussing the challenges it presents. She has also been open about her struggles with degenerative arthritis in her shoulder. Hull’s lifestyle choices have garnered attention, including a viral video of her smoking at the U.S. Women’s Open. Despite public scrutiny, she asserts her right to live life on her terms. Hull’s passion for golf extends beyond the course, as she has made a cameo in the 2025 film Happy Gilmore 2.