Charley Hull beat Paula Creamer in Sunday singles at 2013 Solheim Cup. This was almost a decade ago. Hull then asked Creamer to sign the autograph. Hull, then 17, was the youngest player to win the Solheim Cup. Creamer signed the autograph for a friend back in England.
Hull has been a fixture of the LPGA since then, winning twice and appearing in five Solheim Cups. Last fall, her most recent win was at the Volunteers of America Classic. She also opened the 2023 season by finishing second at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Although Hull’s powerful, fast-paced game seemed promising to begin the season, it was another kind of driving that proved most intriguing.
Hull, who will be 27 in the next month, passed her driving exam back in England on her first attempt. This was just before she arrived in Orlando, Florida for the season opener. Although she has been traveling the world most of her life, she never drove a car.
She said that getting a driver’s licence is more difficult in England than it is here. You’ll need to spend so much time driving around the city with a driving instructor. You can also do your online test.
“So, I began driving after CME. I passed my test in just four weeks. I was very happy with that. Only three minors were found out of 15. It’s possible to get 15 wrong. I got only three wrong. That was because I forgot to put my indicator on. That’s pretty good.
Her new car was delivered to her in less than an hour, just after she arrived in England for the LPGA season opener.
She stated that she wanted a Defender Defender, the Land Rover Defender Defender, but couldn’t get insurance because it was too fast. “So, I bought a Range Rover, a small one called Evoque.
“I think that this will be enough for now, because having a large car right away isn’t good, especially on small roads in England.”
Hull prepared for the 2023 season by taking a short trip to Casablanca. However, she recently moved to Sunningdale in England to be near her boyfriend. It’s easier to return home to visit family members by getting a driver’s license.
It is rare that you have a conversation with Hull without learning something. She is quick to talk, move and think fast.
“ I get bored with all things in life very quickly,” she said, “so everything is so fast.”
She noticed that her driving instructor had suggested she slow down, not necessarily her speed, but all other aspects.
Hull finds that slow play can be very frustrating. She often daydreams and draws in her yardage book, trying to find a way to pass the time.
“People might think she’s looking at that green,” Hull said, “But I’m not, it’s just me scribbling.”
Maybe she is thinking about the future.
