Charley Hull has never been shy about speaking her mind, and her candor often reveals as much about her game as her stats do. When asked recently on Sky Sports what advice she’d give her younger self, the 29-year-old didn’t reach for clichés or easy answers. Instead, she delivered a raw reflection that peeled back the layers on the personal detours that once pulled her away from the fearless edge that defined her teenage rise.

Charley Hull was asked on a Sky SPorts Interview by Kelly Cates, “If you could go back and speak to yourself at sort of 14. What would you say to yourself? Cuz you already did those things. What advice did you need to hear, do you think?” 

The 29-year-old offered a striking reflection. “I think I’ll go back to myself when I was 20 years old, give myself a slap on the wrist, and say stay like I was when I was 17, 18, 19, because now I’m starting to get back to how I was back then.” Charley Hull explained that her early twenties, marked by a brief marriage, pulled her focus from the fearless mindset that had defined her teenage rise.

She further added, “I just got older and when I was like 20, 21, obviously I got married and just like a few things distracted me for a few years,” she said. “When I was younger, I was a very, very strong-minded person. I was very stubborn. Didn’t listen to anyone, but it kind of like made me so good. And I think I’m getting back to that now.” The candor surprised few who have followed Hull’s journey from teenage prodigy to world star. She burst onto the scene at just 17, becoming the youngest player in Solheim Cup history in 2013 and thrashing veteran Paula Creamer 5&4 in singles.

That same fearless energy fueled an LET Order of Merit title that year and set the stage for an LPGA career now featuring three Tour wins and multiple close calls at majors, including a dramatic runner-up finish at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open. Her ball-striking numbers remain elite: 5th on the LPGA in strokes-gained tee-to-green in 2024, and her scoring average has climbed from 70.9 in 2022 to 69.7 in 2025, putting her firmly among the game’s best. Fellow English star Georgia Hall has described Hull as “one of the most naturally gifted players I’ve ever seen,” while European captain Suzann Pettersen recently praised her “fearless” Solheim Cup presence.

Her childhood might have also been the reason for this as she recently also described how growing up, she played mostly with boys, which made her play at a higher level always.

So, for Hull, this resurgence isn’t reinvention but reclamation. When she said, “Now I kind of feel like I was when I was younger,” to Cates, Hull signaled a return to the stubborn, confident competitor who made her a teenage sensation. As she targets another Solheim Cup and a maiden major title in 2025, that metaphorical “slap on the wrist”  serves less as regret and more as a reminder: the Charley Hull who once took on the golf world without hesitation is very much back.

From dominating the Solheim Cup as a fearless teenager to consistently ranking among the world’s top players, Hull’s career has been defined by talent and determination. Yet even the most accomplished athletes face setbacks, and Hull’s recent experience at the Kroger Queen City Championship offers a glimpse into how she navigates challenges while maintaining her love for the game.

Charley Hull is overcoming setbacks at the Kroger Queen City Championship

But while Hull’s revelation and career highlights her extraordinary talent, her recent performance at the 2025 Kroger Queen City Championship illustrates her resilience in the face of challenges. Leading into the tournament, Charley Hull openly admitted she had struggled with practice due to ankle discomfort, which had limited her preparation. Despite this, she emphasized that her passion for the game remains unwavering, stating, “I love the game, and I love playing. I just want to enjoy it.” Hull’s performance on the course demonstrated her ability to deliver under pressure.

In the second round, she carded an impressive 65, moving within two strokes of the leader. Highlights included an eagle on the par-five 11th and birdies on the final two holes, underscoring her ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities even with limited practice.

Despite her physical setbacks, Hull continues to balance competitiveness with enjoyment of the game. She reflected on playing with the same mindset she had in her younger years, emphasizing focus and consistency over perfection: “I just want to hit the ball well and enjoy the experience.” This philosophy highlights her mature approach to the game and her ability to stay composed under pressure.

Her journey at the Kroger Queen City Championship serves as a reminder that even elite athletes face challenges. Hull’s ability to perform at a high level despite physical limitations demonstrates her mental toughness and dedication, inspiring both fans and fellow competitors alike. By combining resilience, skill, and passion, Hull continues to solidify her legacy as one of golf’s most formidable competitors.