Charley Hull is preparing to compete at the 2025 AIG Women’s Open held at Royal Porthcawl Golf Course in Wales, where she expressed her views on the current state of modern golf. The English golfer shared her opinion that modern golf has lost much of its artistic quality, largely due to advances in technology.

The LPGA Tour players are hours away from the first round of this year’s British Women’s Open, with Lydia Ko aiming to defend her 2024 championship. Among the field, Hull is set to tee off on July 31, bringing both experience and a candid perspective on the sport’s evolution.

Charley Hull’s Perspective on the Changes in Modern Golf

During a recent press conference, Hull openly discussed how she feels golf has shifted in recent decades. She pointed to a decline in the creative aspects of the game, contrasting it with how golf was played 20 to 30 years ago. Hull described that era, particularly the 2000s, as more of an art form where players needed to execute draws and fades to control the ball on the course.

“…golf back 20, 30 years ago… like 2000s, it was more of an art… men would have to hit draws and fades to stop it in.. now it’s become more of a power game…technology’s advanced so much, everyone just can hit it straight and far and it’s kind of taken the art away…”

—Charley Hull, Golfer

She specifically contrasted the current game’s emphasis on distance and precision with the skillful shot shaping that golfers previously relied on. Hull also mentioned her viewing preferences as a reflection of her yearning for that style of golf.

“Whenever I watch golf, I watch… Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf and all that lot… or like, who won the British Open in like 1970s and that, I find it, found it way more interesting back then, like I wouldn’t watch golf now really.”

—Charley Hull, Golfer

Recent Performance and Challenges Leading into the AIG Women’s Open

As Hull prepares for the tournament at Royal Porthcawl, she comes off a mixed stretch on the LPGA Tour. Her standout finish this year came at the HSBC Women’s World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club, where she tied for fourth place. However, Hull has faced difficulties in several Majors, missing the cut at the Chevron Championship and withdrawing from the Amundi Evian Championship.

Despite those setbacks, she managed to finish tied for 12th at both the US Women’s Open presented by Ally and the Women’s PGA Championship, showing moments of steady play while seeking better consistency.

Reviewing Charley Hull’s Best AIG Women’s Open Showing

Hull’s strongest performance in the AIG Women’s Open occurred two years ago at Walton Heath Golf Club. She opened the tournament with a solid 71 and followed it with impressive back-to-back rounds of 68. During the final round, Hull briefly held a share of the lead, boosted by an eagle that energized her campaign.

Despite her efforts, Lilia Vu’s surge with six birdies secured the victory at 8-under par 280, leaving Hull as the solo runner-up after carding a 73 in the final round. This result remains a highlight in Hull’s career at this Major.

Implications of Hull’s Views and Upcoming Tournament Outlook

Charley Hull’s reflections on modern golf highlight a tension between tradition and technology influencing the sport today. Her critique points to a broader conversation about how advances may affect strategy, creativity, and fan engagement in golf.

As the 2025 AIG Women’s Open unfolds at Royal Porthcawl, Hull’s perspective brings an added dimension to following the event. Observers will watch to see how she competes amid this challenging phase in her Major performances and whether her love for the game’s artistry will inspire a return to top form.