Charley Hull defends scratchcard prank on caddie at Women's Open

Charley Hull told critics to 'lighten up' after pranking her caddie with a fake £100,000 winning scratchcard.

Charley Hull handed her caddie a scratchcard that appeared to show a £100,000 win — it was a prank, and it drew public criticism that Hull has since dismissed. The English golfer, competing at the Women's Open, said her caddie was unbothered by the joke and stood by the stunt without apology. 'I think people need to lighten up,' Hull said when asked about the backlash. On the course, Hull finished her opening round at two under par. By the second round, she sat five shots behind the leader, South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran. Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul held the overall lead at seven under par after the first round. Hull is a prominent figure in women's golf, known for her outspoken personality as much as her game. The scratchcard incident drew attention on social media, though Hull indicated the reaction from those closest to her — including the caddie at the centre of the prank — was far more relaxed than the public response.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the fine line athletes walk between personal humour and public perception, particularly for high-profile women's sport figures. Hull's comments reflect a broader ongoing debate about what conduct is acceptable in professional sport.

What's next

Hull will continue her Women's Open campaign, sitting five shots off the lead heading into the later rounds.

Key facts

• Hull pranked her caddie with a scratchcard that falsely appeared to show a £100,000 win
• Hull was two under par after her first round of the Women's Open
• She sat five shots behind second-round leader Ryu Hae-ran of South Korea
• Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand led the tournament overall at seven under par
• Hull declined to apologise, saying 'I think people need to lighten up'
• Hull said her caddie was unfazed by the prank

Bias & framing notes

Both sources are from the Guardian and cover the same story across two rounds of play. The first headline frames Hull as 'doubling down,' implying defiance, while the second emphasises her refusal to apologise — both angles lean slightly toward the controversy rather than the golf. Neither source includes any voice from critics or the caddie directly, meaning only Hull's perspective is quoted.

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