Charley Hull ends controversial week at AIG Women's Open by declining media duties

Charley Hull walked away from Royal Lytham & St Annes without speaking to the media after another major opportunity slipped away at the AIG Women's Open.

The 30-year-old entered the final women's major of the season as one of the pre-tournament favourites, with the Englishwoman often producing her best golf on the biggest stages.

But her bid for a maiden major title at Royal Lytham & St Annes never truly gained momentum. 

Starting the final round five shots off the lead, Hull's hopes faded after two costly double-bogeys on the front nine.

She eventually signed for a 1-over 72, good for a share of sixth place alongside compatriot Lottie Woad.

While far from a poor result, the finish will frustrate Hull, who will head into 2027 still searching for the major breakthrough that has so far eluded her.

Hull opted not to take part in post-round media duties on Sunday evening, instead making a swift departure from the Lancashire links after signing a few autographs. 

Professional golfers electing not to undertake media duties has been a hot topic this year. 

Bryson DeChambeau refused to speak to reporters at The Open after he was hit with a controversial two-shot penalty at Royal Birkdale.

For Hull, it ended a week in which she attracted some criticism before a shot was hit. 

Before the tournament began, she revealed she had pranked her caddie, Adam Woodward, with a fake scratchcard bought from a Blackpool joke shop.

Hull told reporters during her pre-tournament news conference that she used tricked Woodward into believing he had won £100,000. 

She captured the moment on camera and posted it on social media.

The stunt drew criticism from some figures within the game, with six-time major winner Dame Laura Davies describing it as "extremely cruel".

Hull defended the prank and insisted she would "100 per cent" do it again as Woodward regularly jokes with her in return.

She said Woodward had "done worse" to his caddie mates. 

"People that have complaints about it, I would say loosen up," Hull said.

"I don't have my social media on my phone on tournament weeks. I delete it and when I go home I'll add it again. 

"I don't really like people seeing me and tagging me and stuff. I like to keep in the present moment.

“But I think people need to lighten up if they're taking that too seriously because it was pretty funny.”

On Woodward, she added: "He thought it was funny after, he is not uptight. It's a joke. 

"If people don't like it they can lump it, do you know what I mean?

"I felt bad for Adam but at the end of the day I have just got to have a good week. At the end of the week I'll buy him 100 scratchcards."

The aforementioned Davies suggested both Hull and Woad would view the championship as a missed opportunity, particularly given the winning score was 5-under.

"Charley played a little bit in and out, whereas Lottie was really solid, she just didn’t hole enough putts," Davies told Sky Sports.

"Charley made a few too many mistakes. And that's just the way she plays golf; she goes full out attack.

"She was pretty disciplined this week, but I think she'll think, 'I was only four back and I should have been in there right at the death.'"