The spotlight often shines on the golfers, leaving the indispensable figures in the shadows to which they’ve become accustomed. One such unsung hero is Adam Woodward, the trusted caddie to English golfing sensation Charley Hull. Their dynamic partnership, punctuated by moments of humor and camaraderie, has been a vital factor in Hull’s success on the green.
An unforgettable instance of their rapport was beautifully captured at the Aramco Team Series in Riyadh in 2024. As Hull posed with her hard-earned trophy, a trio of camels photobombed the shot. Unruffled, Hull held her pose while Woodward, in stark contrast, bolted from the scene, providing the sporting world with a viral moment of comic relief.
Behind every successful golfer is a caddie whose role extends far beyond the simple task of carrying golf clubs. For Hull, a name synonymous with the LPGA’s elite, her alliance with the seasoned Australian caddie, Woodward, has been a cornerstone in her journey through the challenging world of professional golf since their partnership inception in 2015.
Hailing from Cowra, a small Australian town a short drive from Sydney, Woodward’s golfing roots run deep, thanks to his father’s stewardship of the local golf course. His transition from working in his parents’ travel business to the world of professional caddying was sparked by an opportune offer from family friend and LPGA professional, Mardi Lunn in 1995.
Intended as a one-year stint, Woodward’s introduction to caddying evolved into a lifelong dedication to the sport. His career trajectory saw him navigate various tours before achieving a significant breakthrough with South Korean golfer Sun Youn Yoo at the 2012 Kraft Nabisco Championship.
Woodward’s alliance with Charley Hull in 2015 marked the beginning of one of the most resilient partnerships on the LPGA Tour. Together, they’ve celebrated victories at the CME Group Tour Championship in 2016, the Ascendant LPGA in 2022, the Ladies European Tour, and the 2024 Aramco Team Series in Riyadh. Their relationship, briefly interrupted in 2019, was reignited in 2020, with Hull describing Woodward as a “best friend” and attributing her renewed self-assurance on the golf course to his return.
Their bond was put to the test at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach. Hull faced a tricky shot under a tree, 263 yards from the green. With the clock ticking, Woodward’s guidance was decisive. His confident advice, “You can keep it low,” resulted in a critical par shot that cemented Hull’s second-place finish. This anecdote offers a glimpse into the trust that underpins Hull and Woodward’s professional relationship.
Hull’s faith in Woodward’s abilities and experience, developed over 25 years on the tour, is apparent. Their easy camaraderie, often involving discussions about life outside of golf, has been a boon for Hull, who was diagnosed with ADHD in 2023. Woodward’s capacity to maintain focus while engendering a relaxed environment has been beneficial.
Their partnership has also led to some unforgettable moments, including the viral camel incident. Other instances include Hull unintentionally snubbing Woodward’s fist bump at the 2023 Solheim Cup and a comedic episode when they got locked out of Hull’s home after the 2023 AIG Women’s Open.
As the 2025 golfing season unfolds, the Hull-Woodward collaboration continues to exemplify the power of great player-caddie chemistry. With their eyes on major championships, this decade-old partnership continues to be a source of both efficacy and amusement for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
