Charley Hull suffers fall ahead of opening major of season

Solheim Cup payer Charley Hull reckons a fall during a weekend run isn’t going to stop her getting the new major season off to a flying start in California today.

Charley Hull in action during the KIA Classic at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, California, last week. Picture: Donald Miralle/Getty Images.

The English star suffered a mild ankle sprain in her tumble on Sunday but is confident she won’t be hindered by that in the ANA Inspiration at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage.

“It was Sunday morning,” said Hull of her fall, which happened before she played in the final round of the Kia Classic in California. “I went on a 5k run and I fell off over a pothole.

“I went straight down onto my chin, got up and shook it off and nothing hurt, so I carried on with my 5k run and then played 18 holes of golf.

“It wasn't until I sat in the car for like an hour and we got out to get an In-n-Out and it was so sore I couldn't even walk on it.

“So I iced it all that night, and then Monday I took off. I just putted and hit a couple of pitches, and it's been fine ever since.

“It was a mild sprain, not too severe. It's loads better now actually. Yeah, it's not a problem at all now.”

With no onsite hospitality possible this year, tournament organisers have taken the opportunity, coinciding with the event’s 50th anniversary celebrations, to play the 18th island green surrounded by the famous Poppie’s Pond in its purest state.

“I don't like it without the grandstand,” said Hull, who is never afraid to speak her mind. “I think it's completely different.

“But this is one of my favorite tournaments. It's great and I've got good memories as well because it was the first professional event I ever played in as an amateur as well.

“I was 15 and my dad always used to come out here with me. I'm going to miss him this week.”

Ireland’s Leona Maguire has Scottish caddie Gary Marshall on her bag in California.

The Gorebridge man was on Korean Mi Jung Hur’s bag when she won the Ladies Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in 2019.

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