Charley Hull was only two years old when she first fell in love with golf, and from that moment on, her life was forever changed. Born on March 20, 1996, in Kettering, England, Hull’s passion for the game was nurtured by her dad, Dave, who would take her to Kettering Golf Club when she was just five years old. As she grew older, Hull’s dedication and talent only intensified, shaping her into one of the most exciting players in the game.
Today, as we celebrate her 29th birthday, we’re taking a closer look at the remarkable journey of this golfing sensation, and here are 15 fascinating facts about Charley Hull that you might not know!
1. Family ties and early success
Charley Hull’s family has played a significant role in shaping her life and golf career. Her mother, Basienka Hull, a Polish native and former county-level tennis player, has been a constant source of inspiration. And it’s clear that Charley’s natural talent and dedication were evident from a young age – she became a scratch golfer at the impressive age of just 11!
2. Rising through the ranks
Charley Hull’s amateur golf career was nothing short of phenomenal. She racked up impressive wins at the English Amateur, Welsh Amateur, and US Amateur event, the Harder Hall, which propelled her to a career-high third spot on the World Amateur Golf Ranking. But before all that success, Charley made a bold decision – she left school at just 13 years old to focus on her golf game through homeschooling.
3. Turned professional at just 16!
Charley Hull took the golf world by storm when she turned professional in 2013, at the age of 16. And what a debut season it was! She racked up an incredible five consecutive second-place finishes on the Ladies European Tour, which includes the Lalla Meryem Cup, South African Women’s Open, Turkish Airlines Ladies Open, Deloitte Ladies Open, and the UniCredit Ladies German Open.
4. Charley Hull’s professional wins
Charley Hull boasts an impressive record of 7 professional wins, showcasing her exceptional talent on the golf course. Her victories include 2 wins on the prestigious LPGA Tour, 4 wins on the Ladies European Tour, and a win on the 2020 Rose Ladies Series, demonstrating her ability to excel in various competitions and cementing her position as a formidable force in women’s golf.
5. A record-breaking Solheim Cup debut
On August 16, 2013, Charley Hull made history at the Colorado Golf Club, becoming the youngest golfer to ever compete in the Solheim Cup at just 17 years and 149 days old. As a captain’s pick, Hull was held back until the afternoon fourball session, where she teamed up with experienced partner Catriona Isobel Matthew. Unfortunately, her debut didn’t quite go as planned, as the European duo fell 2 and 1 to the American pair of Michelle Wie and Cristie Kerr, contributing to the USA’s 5-3 lead after day one.
6. Won Rookie of the Year Award When She Was a Teenager!
What a year 2013 was for Charley Hull! Not only did she make her debut on the Ladies European Tour (LET) at just 17 years old, but she also took home the coveted Rookie of the Year award. And if that wasn’t enough, she was also voted Best International Newcomer by the Sports Journalists’ Association British Sports Award.
7. Maiden Victory and counting
Charley Hull didn’t have to wait long to taste her first professional victory. It came just a year after turning pro, in March 2014, when she won the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco. Fast forward to 2024, and Hull has an impressive six titles under her belt, including two prestigious wins on the LPGA Tour.
8. Charley Hull took the autograph of her opponent after defeating her
After defeating Paula Creamer 5&4 at the 2013 Solheim Cup, Charley Hull did something that might have raised a few eyebrows – she asked her opponent for an autograph! Hull, who was just 17 years old at the time, wanted Creamer to sign a golf ball for her friend James, a huge fan of the American golfer. Creamer graciously obliged, and Hull later explained that she simply thought it would be a nice gesture for her friend, showing that even in the heat of competition, Hull remained a humble and thoughtful fan.
9. Hull’s Solheim Cup legacy
Charley Hull has cemented her status as a Solheim Cup superstar, boasting an incredible record of 12 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws across 22 matches in four contests. Her last appearance at the 2023 match at Finca Cortesin was a thrilling one, as she played a pivotal role in helping Team Europe retain the coveted trophy.
10. Hull has participated in the Olympics 2 times
Charley Hull has had an amazing Olympic journey so far! She was part of the Team GB squad at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where golf made a comeback after 112 years. Although she just missed out on a bronze medal, finishing seventh was still an impressive achievement. She was then selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but unfortunately had to withdraw due to an exhausting schedule.
Fortunately, she got another chance and made her third Olympic appearance at the 2024 Paris Games, where she finished a respectable T27!
11. Charley Hull has suffered the loss of a furry friend
Charley Hull lost her beloved dog, Bella, a white German shepherd, in 2023. Bella had been Hull’s loyal companion and biggest supporter for eight years. Hull took to Instagram to share her grief, posting “Gutted RIP my beautiful baby Bella” along with heartwarming memories of their time together. The LPGA pro’s love for Bella was evident in her posts and interviews, showcasing their special bond. Hull’s childhood was also filled with dogs, thanks to her father’s love for them.
12. Charley Hull was once married
Charley Hull’s marriage to Ozzie Smith, a mixed martial arts fighter, was a significant chapter in her personal life. The couple tied the knot in September 2019, surrounded by friends and family, and it seemed like a beautiful beginning to their life together. However, unfortunately, their marriage didn’t last, and they divorced just two years later in 2021.
13. Charley Hull’s love life after divorce
Following her divorce from Ozzie Smith in 2021, Charley Hull’s love life has been subject to much speculation. The golfer has been linked to several high-profile celebrities, including former soccer player Lee Tomlin and reality TV star Gaz Beadle, formerly of Geordie Shore fame. However, rumors suggest that Hull has now moved on and is currently in a new relationship, although details remain scarce.
14. Charley Hull is a Liverpool FC fan
Charley Hull’s affection for Liverpool FC is rooted in family tradition and a dash of sibling rivalry. Her dad’s support for the Reds rubbed off on her, and she fondly recalls teasing her sister’s Manchester United-supporting boyfriend when the golfer was just three or four years old. As she grew older, Hull’s allegiance to Liverpool FC only strengthened, and she proudly declared, “I’m with my dad.”
15. Hull is widely known for her life-threatening habit
Charley Hull has gained attention for her habit of smoking cigarettes, a behavior that has been observed even during golf tournaments. A notable instance of this was in 2024 when she was filmed signing an autograph for a fan while holding a cigarette in her mouth. She has even earned the moniker: “Hot John Daly” for sharing the same habit as the veteran golfer. Well, that was Hull’s life wrapped up in an article and we’re sure we missed a lot of things. But hey, if we started listing every amazing thing Hull has done the list would never end and we’re sure you will agree on that with us. So, do you want to wish Hull a happy birthday? Our comment section down below is all yours!
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