942 Days Without LPGA Win, Charley Hull Clings Onto Rory McIlroy’s Emotional Message to His Daughter

942 days. That’s how long ago the LPGA star, Charley Hull, tasted victory. Her most recent LPGA win came dramatically on October 2, 2022, at The Ascendant LPGA in The Colony, Texas. After a thrilling final-round 7-under 64, she edged out Xiyu Lin by just one stroke, finally breaking a six-year winless streak. It was a moment of pure joy for Hull, as she claimed her first LPGA title since her stunning win at the 2016 CME Group Tour Championship.  Now, as she heads into the inaugural LPGA event at the Black Desert Championship, Hull has announced that she has a trick up her sleeve, inspired by career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy. How? Well, it’s all thanks to McIlroy’s beautiful message to his daughter, Poppy.

“The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy over there, Never give up on your dreams. Never, ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back, keep working hard, and if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. Love you,” said Rory McIlroy after his win at Augusta National. And that’s exactly where Charley Hull’s inspiration comes alive.

Currently active for the first LPGA event in Utah since 1964, Charley Hull sat down for a press conference at Black Desert Resort. Hull, who picked up the clubs at age 2, missed the cut at the first women’s major of the year. However, as a golfer who is always looking to balance fun (or workout routines, for her) with the sport, she was asked by the interviewer at the Black Desert Championship, “How important is the fun aspect compared to getting too serious?”

Charley Hull’s answer was sage-like. “Obviously not going to — it’s not always going to be fun out there. You got to see it as a challenge. My mindset, I work better when I see it as a challenge, like anything in life. I want to do good at it. You just got to embrace the good and bad days, because it’s a rollercoaster ride. Just go out there and keep digging. A bit like McIlroy at the Masters. Never give up on your dream; he surely didn’t, did he?”

With the second women’s major only a month away, Rory McIlroy’s message has come at the right time, even if Hull’s dreams lie elsewhere. For the LPGA pro, one of her dreams for the 2024 season was a “very special” breakthrough at the Home of Golf in the AIG Women’s Open. “It would be a pretty special win. Something that you’ve always dreamed of since you were a baby. So it would be very special,” Hull said ahead of the 2024 event. However, the American golfer finished T20 at the Old Course and has yet to realize the dream.

She has stayed parallel to McIlroy’s philosophy for winning in life. Hull emphasized the importance of ignoring public scrutiny and focusing on personal happiness. In a 2025 interview with the New York Post, following McIlroy’s victory at the 2025 Masters, she stated, “People’s views are irrelevant and should be taken ‘with a pinch of salt,'” reflecting her belief in resilience and maintaining a strong mental focus. 

Needless to say, as we near the event, Hull has yet to return to her peak form. However, if Rory McIlroy’s mantra has filled her with a renewed sense of energy, then we should all get ready for a major performance! McIlroy’s mantra will likely stay with Hull for a while, given how moved she was by a specific message from him.

Rory McIlroy’s emotional message inspires love in Charley Hull for her parents

After his win at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy penned some emotional words for his parents. Taking note of the career Grand Slam winner’s emotional message, Charley Hull updated her social media and shared the words with her fans who did not know of it. “I’ll never be able to repay Mum and Dad for what they did, but at least they know they’ll never have to work another day. I’ll do whatever it takes to look after them,” read Rory McIlroy’s message to his parents.

Charely Hull replied, “💯 we should never forget who we are today from the encouragement and help from our parents.”  Charley Hull’s rise in golf has greatly benefited from the support of her parents, Dave and Basienka Hull. Her dad, a plasterer and casual golfer, introduced her to the game when she was just two years old. By the time she was five, she was already playing with him at Kettering Golf Club. However, Dave didn’t pressure her; instead, he focused on helping her grow.

Charley’s mom, Basienka, also played an important role in her journey and brought her love for sports to the family. As a former country-level tennis player with Polish roots, she quietly encouraged Charley’s commitment to golf. Additionally, the golfer has cited other figures as inspirations, including Muhammad Ali and Seve Ballesteros, for their strong mentality and work ethic.