Hull is ready to go crazy

CHARLEY HULL will be spearheading home hopes at Kingsbarns when the Ricoh Women’s British Open starts tomorrow on the Scottish links. The 21-year old British No1, from Kettering, took time out to talk to NEIL SQUIRES

You have been described by Solheim Cup teammates as everything from “having a screw loose”, “on a totally different planet” to “fun to be around”. How would you describe yourself?

“I’m quite crazy. I’m game for anything. I can go on adventures.”

What do you think about on the golf course then?

“I don’t really think too much about the golf. I just think about daily stuff like what’s going on at home – a lot of weird things actually. I think it’s useful to switch on and switch off.”

What got you into golf?

“Tiger Woods. I looked up to him. Annika Sorenstam was around at the time too but it was Tiger who drew me to the game. I don’t think he should give up. He could come back.”

What would you have been if you hadn’t been a golfer?

“I haven’t a clue. I liked science at school but only because we mucked around quite a bit. I’ll probably be a pro golfer for the rest of my life.”

You finished 17th last year in your home Major. What’s your assessment of that performance now?

“I loved playing in front of my home fans at Woburn and was a bit disappointed not to finish a little higher up the leaderboard as they gave me such amazing support.”

What do you make of this year’s venue?

“Kingsbarns is spectacular. From what I have seen so far, I think it is going to be a great challenge and a very exciting Major championship venue.”

How will you change your approach for the links this week?

“I’m not one for hitting many chip and runs. I won’t change my game much. It’s only one week in the year.”

What’s your favourite shot to hit?

“I like to hit a little holdoff fade into a pin.”

What’s life like as a 21-year-old English woman on tour in the United States?

“I keep myself to myself. I hang around my caddie sometimes. That’s about it. It can be lonely sometimes but that’s just one of those things.”

What do you miss about England when you are in the States?

“I miss the countryside and my friends.”

This is a big week for the women’s game in this country. How would you improve it if you were in charge?

“I wish they would set the golf courses up a bit longer. Sometimes they’re too short. And speed up the pace of play. It’s too slow. It needs to be faster. I never say anything, I just wait for the ref, but it’s really frustrating. Sometimes golf gets boring because it just takes so long.”

Of your rivals this week, who would you choose to hole a putt for your life?

“I’d choose Inbee Park. Lydia (Ko) misses quite a few putts.”

Which of your fellow pros would you choose for a night out?

“I’d pick Mel Reid. She’s quite funny.”

And for a shopping trip?

“None of them because they would all mess around. I like doing online shopping, it’s easier. I’m not really a brand kind of person.”

What is it like to be the poster girl for this Major with your face on all the promotional material?

“It’s cool. I just go with the flow.”