Grit and determination were on full display as professional golfer Charley Hull powered through an intense morning to secure a stellar solo second place at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Rising above a severe bout of stomach illness, Hull’s exceptional performance highlights her resilience, all while she inches closer to one of her most ambitious 2025 goals.
Hull began her day battling a stomach bug, a situation most people would use as a reason to call in sick. However, as a top-tier athlete, Hull chose to confront her illness head-on. Ignoring the typical advice to rest and recover, the golfer strapped on her running shoes for an early morning 5K, proving her mettle and the mental strength that has become her signature on the tour.
Her decision proved fruitful, as Hull achieved a personal best in her 5K run, knocking off another minute from her previous best time. This feat is even more impressive considering the physical discomfort she had experienced earlier and the fatigue from the previous day’s round.
The golfer’s ambition doesn’t stop at the golf course. Hull has set an audacious goal for herself to complete a 5K run in under 20 minutes by 2025. This act of resilience and determination highlights the mindset of a true athlete, unwilling to be deterred by temporary setbacks, whether on the golf course or in life.
When questioned about the cause of her illness, Hull’s response was a testament to her stoic attitude. She dismissed it as a minor bug and refused to use it as an excuse or play for sympathy. This stalwart approach is in line with her belief that “pain is a weakness of the mind,” a philosophy she has often referred to throughout her career.
Hull’s history of physical challenges includes body aches, stomach cramps, degenerative arthritis in her shoulder, asthma, ADHD, and even a serious bout with salmonella and a ten-day COVID-19 infection. Despite these, she has consistently maintained her defiant approach to physical adversity, proving her toughness time and again.
Hull’s resilience extends beyond physical fitness. Her mindset on the course reflects an unwavering focus and determination. She explained how getting her head together helped her maintain a positive space throughout the day and allowed her to deliver an impressive performance post-illness.
Hull’s fitness philosophy is unique, combining rigorous training with indulging in life’s pleasures. She has shared her practice of running even on tournament mornings and indulging in chocolates during trips, a refreshing mix of discipline and enjoyment. This approach has enabled her to maintain her professional career alongside managing her physical conditions.
Her unconventional approach to fitness has been questioned in the past, but the results speak for themselves. With eight consecutive top-20 finishes across 2024-2025, five top-10s last season, and a rise to 9th in the Rolex Rankings, Hull has proven that her unique blend of technical practice and generalized fitness is an effective path to excellence.
Hull’s latest performance at Sentosa Golf Club has fortified her reputation for toughness. Whether her “pain is weakness of the mind” mantra can help her overcome physical illness and Lydia Ko’s one-stroke advantage remains to be seen. But the resolute golfer’s tenacity and resilience send a clear message to all those who dare to question her methods: Charley Hull is a force to be reckoned with.
