Charley Hull has withdrawn from the PIF London Championship just hours before the competition at Hertfordshire’s Centurion Club was set to begin, citing ankle ligament damage as the reason. The event, scheduled for August 8 to 10, 2025, was expected to be a significant home appearance for the English golfer, but she was forced to prioritize recovery following a non-serious off-course injury.
Hull announced her withdrawal via an emotional Instagram message less than a day before the tournament’s first round, sharing that a simple accident had compromised her ability to compete safely.
Ankle Injury Forces Early Exit from Tournament
Though Hull’s ankle injury is not considered severe, medical advice warned that playing could worsen her condition, prompting a cautious and health-first decision. This means she misses not only a chance to compete for her share of the $2 million prize fund but also the opportunity to engage with her home supporters and loved ones at Centurion Club.
Hull expressed her disappointment openly, acknowledging how much the event meant to her. Despite this setback, she remains hopeful to interact with fans during the championship’s weekend.
Gutted to say I’ve had to withdraw from the PIF London Championship this week,
—Charley Hull, Professional Golfer
Nothing major, but the docs say I’ve got to rest or I’ll make it worse,
—Charley Hull, Professional Golfer
Absolutely gutted not to be playing at home, especially at an event like this. It means so much to me, and I’m really sorry to the fans coming out and to my sponsors, especially Golf Saudi,
—Charley Hull, Professional Golfer
Hopefully I’ll still get to meet some of you… I’ll be back soon.
—Charley Hull, Professional Golfer
Accident Details and Initial Optimism
The injury occurred during a routine practice day at the event venue, when Hull suffered a mishap in the Centurion Club car park. She described tripping over a curb, hearing a painful pop in her ankle, and briefly fearing a fracture. Despite an MRI being arranged, Hull initially believed she would still be fit to compete.
The day before the withdrawal, she spoke candidly with reporters about the accident, even adding humour to lighten the situation by recalling fellow pro Thomas Bjørn’s joke about her frequent tendency to be found lying down.
I thought I broke it… I nearly fainted,
—Charley Hull, Professional Golfer
Every time he sees me, I’m lying down somewhere.
—Thomas Bjørn, Professional Golfer (recounted by Hull)
I will be teeing up tomorrow… hitting balls shouldn’t be an issue.
—Charley Hull, Professional Golfer
Recent Health Challenges Add to Growing Concerns
This last-minute pullout follows a tumultuous few weeks for Hull in terms of health setbacks. At the Amundi Evian Championship held roughly four weeks prior, she was forced to withdraw mid-round due to illness, collapsing twice on the fourth tee and ultimately needing to be carried off on a stretcher. The combination of this recent ankle injury and previous health issues has created an unsettling streak of physical challenges for the golfer.
What seems like minor incidents—from collapsing during a major to slipping in a car park—have interrupted Hull’s competitive rhythm and raised concerns about her ability to maintain consistent participation in top-level tournaments. These unpredictable incidents amplify the uncertainty surrounding her immediate career progress.
Implications for Charley Hull’s Future and Fan Engagement
Hull’s withdrawal demonstrates the thin line athletes walk between competing at the highest level and managing their health to avoid long-term damage. The decision to step back before the tournament begins indicates a cautious approach aimed at preserving her future playing prospects, despite the emotional toll of missing such a high-profile home event.
As a beloved figure in English golf, Hull’s absence resonates strongly with fans, sponsors like Golf Saudi, and the broader sporting community who had anticipated her participation. Nevertheless, her promise to engage with fans over the weekend and return stronger reflects her commitment to recovery and connection with supporters.
The PIF London Championship will proceed without one of its local stars, underscoring the unpredictable nature of sports injuries and the importance of athlete health management. Observers will be watching Hull’s recovery closely as she navigates this challenging period and aims to return to form in upcoming events.