Charley Hull’s opening round of 81 at the Olympics might seem shocking, but it requires context to understand. After slipping in the shower at the beginning of July while in the U.S., Hull sustained a right shoulder injury that forced her to pause her competitive golf activities.
Le Golf National is a challenging course for anyone trying to find their form again; on Thursday, only 12 players managed to finish under par. “Let’s get this round behind me—it’s a bit of a warmup for the British Open now,” Hull stated, noting that medal aspirations have already faded from her view.
A freak accident struck Hull at the most inopportune moment. She had been having a promising 2024, with aspirations for an Olympic medal and major triumph. Instead, she missed the cut at the Evian Championship and now faces a race against time to be ready for the Women’s Open at St Andrews.
“I fell coming out of the shower just before my flight back from the U.S.,” Hull explained. “I thought I had torn something, but the MRI showed nothing serious. Now, I just have some arthritis in my shoulder. I shouldn’t have played at Evian. It feels a bit rusty since it’s been five weeks since my last significant four-day event.
“I’m really frustrated. I wish I hadn’t taken a shower before my flight. I felt I was getting into a groove at Evian after my first round while still nursing an injury, and now it feels like it’s not truly ‘my first round back,’ if that makes sense. I tend to struggle on golf courses with trees and water hazards.
“Now I feel I know the course better, which boosts my confidence. I plan to aim low in tomorrow’s round. An injury really affects your mental state, though I don’t feel unsteady in my swing. I believe that with a few rounds under my belt, I’ll return to form.
Hull dismissed the notion that her chances had literally gone up in smoke. Before the event, she remarked on the absence of cigarettes at the Olympic venues, which are smoke-free. She has recently taken to smoking while on the course. “It’s solely due to my injury,” she clarified, “100% not because I am addicted.”
She wasn’t alone in her struggles during the first day. Fellow Team GB competitor Georgia Hall posted a score of 74, while Irish pre-tournament favorite Leona Maguire ended with a 78 despite a birdie on the last hole. Nelly Korda’s level par 72 was commendable, especially considering she was three over after seven holes.
after newsletter promotion
“I was amazed by the crowds that turned out for the men, and to see similar support for the women is truly incredible,” Korda remarked. “Walking up to that 1st tee was surreal; I looked out and saw fans four deep around the green. I told my caddie: ‘Oh my gosh, this is just amazing.’ I never expected so many people to come out and support us here.”
Celine Boutier, the early leader, quickly became the crowd favorite, finishing her opening round with an impressive score of 65. Ashleigh Buhai, the 2022 Women’s Open champion, trails closely at four under. Among a group of players tied at two under are Mexico’s Gaby Lopez and two-time major winner Lilia Vu from the USA.
