In a stunning turn of events, England’s Charley Hull has been forced to withdraw from the PIF London Championship after suffering ligament damage in what she described as a “freak” accident. The incident occurred in the car park at Centurion Club, the Hertfordshire venue hosting this week’s Ladies European Tour event, when Hull stumbled just before the start of the tournament.
Hull, ranked No. 10 in the world, underwent an MRI scan which confirmed ligament damage severe enough to make competing impossible. Although the 29-year-old was quick to reassure supporters that the injury is “not major,” medical advice was clear–playing through the pain would risk aggravating the issue and potentially jeopardizing her season.
“There’s always something,” Hull said.
Hull’s Response and Emotional Toll
The news comes just days after Hull thrilled fans with a runner-up finish at the AIG Women’s Open, where she narrowly missed out on her first major title.
“Coming out of the locker room, I had a skip in my step because I love practicing. But then I fell over a curb in the car park and was lying on the floor shouting for my boyfriend to come get me,” Hull said.
“The security guard was watching me and I heard my ankle pop. I thought I broke it. Someone picked me up and put me in the car. I went down so quickly, I nearly fainted. I was not sure if I was overreacting.”
Speaking about the injury, she expressed her disappointment and frustration, noting that Centurion Club had always been one of her favourite stops on the tour.
“I’m absolutely devastated,” Hull said, adding that she had been eager to carry her momentum from last week into another strong performance. Known for her competitive spirit and determination, Hull vowed to stay at the venue throughout the weekend to engage with fans–a testament to her connection with the golfing public and her commitment to the sport.
“I don’t do it on purpose; I’m naturally clumsy,” Hull said.
Recent Form and Historic Results
Hull’s withdraw is particularly significant given her track record at the PIF London Championship. She has been a consistent contender at Centurion Club, finishing third in 2021, fourth in ’22, and runner-up in ’23. Her familiarity with the course and recent surge in form made her a strong favorite to contend again this week.
Her recent performances had also put her in a prime position to continue climbing the Rolex Women’s World Rankings. The momentum from her near-victory at the Women’s Open suggested she could challenge for multiple titles in the latter half of the season, making the timing of this injury even more unfortunate.
This is not the first time Hull has faced adversity in 2025. Earlier in the season, she collapsed twice during the Evian Championship due to illness, later revealing she had lost significant fitness during her recovery–dropping almost 10 lbs. in body weight and losing 8 mph in clubhead speed. That setback forced her to work tirelessly to rebuild her physical strength and competitive rhythm.
Despite those challenges, Hull had managed to rebound impressively, culminating in her strong showing at last week’s major. The freak accident at Centurion now represents another hurdle in a year that has tested both her physical resilience and mental toughness.
Impact on Fans and the Event
Hull’s popularity with British golf fans cannot be overstated. Her aggressive style of play, charisma, and willingness to interact with spectators have made her one of the most recognizable figures on the women’s circuit. Her absence from the field will undoubtedly alter the dynamic of the tournament, both in competitive terms and in the atmosphere around the course.
Event organisers have expressed their disappointment but praised Hull’s decision to remain on-site and meet fans. For many attendees, this personal connection will help soften the blow of not seeing her compete, although it remains a bitter pill for those hoping to witness her chasing another title.
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