English superstar golfer Charley Hull is much admired for her athletic physique and love of the gym, so you would assume that she follows a strict diet. But the 28-year-old admitted that even she has days off.
When questioned about the favourite thing she did in the ‘off-season’ the World No. 9 told reporters in the Middle East that she overindulged in chocolate on a binge trip to Bruges.
“I went to Bruges and ate a lot of chocolate,” joked Hull in her PIF Saudi Ladies International pre-tournament press conference. “Enough to put on a lot of weight!” she exclaimed. “But then I ran a lot so as not to put the weight on.”
The seven-time winner arrives in Riyadh as one of the tournament favorites, having won at the same venue at the end of her 2024 season, and says she loves the course.
“Winning the Aramco Team Series event here in Riyadh last year was a huge moment for me,” she recalls. “I felt really sharp all week, and to lift the trophy after such a strong three rounds gave me a lot of confidence. It is great to come back to the same venue to compete in the PIF Saudi Ladies International. I know this course suits my game, and I’m excited to see what I can do this time around.”
Will Charley Hull’s good form carry over into 2025?
Hull has had a steady start to her 2025 season with a top-20 finish in the Founder’s Cup last week. She is joined in the Middle East by a world-class field of women, including World No. 3 Ruoning Yin, who are all excited to be competing for a share of $5 million – the same prize fund as the men – a first for women’s golf.
“Across women’s sport there are very few examples of where we can compete for prize money that is remotely equitable with the guys,” adds Hull. “So the commitment of PIF and Golf Saudi is really exceptional.”
What is the PIF Saudi Ladies International tournament?
The PIF Saudi Ladies International tournament has a unique three-day format. Teams of four professionals play a better-ball event over 36-holes competing for the team title before the top 60 and ties contend in a final day shoot-out to crown an individual champion. It’s a fast-paced, fun, exciting format to watch and encourages high drama and low-scoring.
Biggest prize purse for women’s golf outside of Major championships
The tournament carries a prize purse of $5 million, making it one of the most lucrative events on the Ladies European Tour schedule and a real trailblazer for the women’s game.
MORE: All the latest golf news
