Memories to last a lifetime

Charley Hull has urged newcomers to embrace the virtues of golf ahead of the AIG Women’s Open.

This year’s Championship will take place at Royal Porthcawl in Wales for the first time, potentially opening the sport up to a whole new audience.

Charley, the world number 17, will once again tee it up in the final major of the year and she has encouraged the Welsh public to come out in force.

“I think the last few years have been brilliant,” she said of the AIG Women's Open.

“Yes, it’s a golf event, but it’s almost got that festival vibe. There’s a lot more to it than just golf. I think loads of sports need to do more of that to help them grow.”

As Charley alluded to, as well as the opportunity to watch the world’s best up close, fans can enjoy all the fun on offer in the Festival Village.

The Village will house the players’ short game practice area, a ‘Golf It’ zone where spectators can get a club in their own hands, the AIG Women’s Open Shop and some delicious food and drink offerings.

“We might be getting people into something that they wouldn’t normally do,” said Charley.

“It really is a great family day out and hopefully they can make some memories that will last the rest of their lives.”

She added: “There’s so much more to golf than just the 18 holes. Sure, some of us are lucky enough to play the sport professionally. But there’s so much more. When you’re out on the course – either as a player or a fan – you know you’re getting your steps in, you’re outside in the fresh air, in the sunshine, and we all know how important that is.

“You’re out there either on your own if you need some time to think, or you’re with a group of mates having fun.

“People even do business out on the golf course, so really, you can make of it what you want.”

Charley wowed the home crowds when she was runner-up to Lilia Vu at Walton Heath in 2023, earning herself a new army of fans.

The Englishwoman will once again be one of the names on everyone’s lips as she aims to collect her first major title.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to it.

“I always look forward to playing in this Championship. With the home crowd and the fact your family and friends can be there too means it’s always one of the highlights of the year.

“I have some good memories of Porthcawl, having played here as an amateur when I was younger. I played in the Junior Vagliano back in 2011, I think I was about 14.

“It is a cool golf course. It looks challenging, but it’s going to be a great links set-up.”