Hull plays down local knowledge at Woburn

England’s No 1 Charley Hull will have to deal with the added expectation of home advantage in the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

The tournament has returned to Woburn, the 20-year-old’s club, for the first time in 17 years.

Hull, whose best finish in four previous appearances in the British Open is 12th at Royal Birkdale in 2014, is confident she can deal with the spotlight but insists her local knowledge may not be that advantageous.

“I haven’t actually played the Marquess’ (course) that many times, even though I’ve been a member there since I was 10,” she told ladieseuropeantour. com.

“I usually play on the Duke’s and the Duchess’ Courses because they are very tight.

“I still need to play a couple of practice rounds.”

Woburn hosts the championship for the first time since it gained major status in 2001, although it has always previously been played on the Duke’s Course.

Australian Karrie Webb’s first of three British Open titles was won at Woburn in 1995, so a return holds fond memories for her.

“I’m really looking forward to going back,” said the 41-yearold seven-time major winner.

“Obviously it’s different to the courses we’ve played recently in the British Open, but what I remember from before was that you really have to be hitting good tee shots to give yourself a chance to hit good approach shots into the greens.”

Defending champion Inbee Park will not be at Woburn after withdrawing last week due to an injury to her left thumb.

World No 4 Lexi Thompson, a winner with the United States in the UL International Crown team event last week, has arrived with a new putter in tow.

“In Chicago on Tuesday I got fitted for a new putter and I feel very comfortable with it,” she said.

Picture: Getty. Charley Hull’s home club hosts the Women’s British Open.