Golfer Charley Hull addresses criticism over £100,000 scratchcard prank on caddie

By Liam Tremblay — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

Scratchcard Prank Draws Criticism

English golfer Charley Hull has responded to criticism regarding a prank involving her caddie, Adam Woodward, ahead of the Women’s Open. Hull revealed during a news conference that she used a fake scratchcard to trick Woodward into believing he had won £100,000. She had purchased the novelty card from a joke shop in Blackpool.

Hull recounted Woodward’s reaction, stating he was initially euphoric, running around the players’ lounge and expressing his belief that he had won a significant sum. She mentioned his face looked happy, he was sweating and trembling, and he could not believe his luck. The golfer added that after revealing the card was fake, Woodward “nearly quit the job.”

A video of the prank was later posted by Hull on social media with the caption: “Sorry Adam, looks like you’re still on the bag this week!” The incident has led to mixed reactions online, with some observers finding humour in the stunt while others criticized it as cruel.

Hull’s Response to Backlash

Despite the negative feedback, Hull has remained unapologetic about the prank. She suggested that those with complaints should “loosen up.” Hull also noted that she removes social media applications from her phone during tournament weeks to stay focused on the present moment.

The golfer emphasized that Woodward found the prank funny afterward and is not “uptight.” She stated, “It’s a joke. If people don’t like it they can lump it.” Hull also mentioned feeling bad for Woodward but added that she would buy him 100 scratchcards at the end of the week.

Some social media users viewed the prank as mean-spirited, with one user suggesting that Hull took pleasure in destroying someone’s hope. Another user questioned whether Hull would provide Woodward with £100,000, noting her career tournament prize earnings total about $12.9 million US.

Support and Tournament Performance

Conversely, others defended Hull, arguing that the prank was harmless and that the dynamic of her long-standing relationship with Woodward, who has worked with her since 2015, might involve such jokes regularly. One user commented that they could not see Hull as a mean-spirited person.

The controversy unfolded as Hull began her challenge at Royal Lytham & St Annes. She started the tournament with a two-under-par 69. Hull trails the early leader, Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul, by five shots. Thitikul’s 64 was the lowest score recorded in a Lytham Women’s Open.

Meanwhile, Ryu Hae-ran, who briefly topped the leaderboard, is seeking her third major win in a row after victories at this year’s PGA and Evian Championships. Ryu, who opened with a five-under-par 66, has focused on enjoying her golf rather than concentrating on winning. Shiho Kuwaki later matched Ryu’s first-round total.

Lottie Woad, who is fifth in the world rankings, also posted a 69, avoiding Lytham’s 174 bunkers. Other notable scores included Minjee Lee with a 75, Sophia Popov with an 85, and Nelly Korda with a two-over-par 73. English golfers Mimi Rhodes and Annabell Fuller both signed for a 71, while Lydia Ko is even par.

Source: theguardian.com