Charley Hull Embraces Hickory Golf Ahead of Women's Scottish Open

Charley Hull demonstrated her passion for vintage golf by testing hickory clubs during a Wednesday pro-am session ahead of the Women's Scottish Open. The British golfer has previously expressed a desire to compete in tournaments featuring 1970s and 1980s era equipment.

Hull's Vision for Classic Golf

Hull has made her preference for traditional golf equipment increasingly clear throughout her career. During an appearance on the Vanity Index Podcast earlier this year, the three-time LPGA winner articulated her case for equipment rollback, stating she wished professional golf would return to the standards of four decades past. She credited players from that era as artists, describing how they had to manipulate ball flight through technique rather than relying on modern technology.

"Back then, I thought golf was so interesting to watch," Hull explained during the podcast discussion. "The way they'd have to draw a ball in, fade the ball in. I would love to play in a tournament where we play with all the old clubs and everything. Because I feel like it would be so much more interesting, so much more to watch."

Pre-Tournament Preparation at Dundonald Links

Ahead of competition at Dundonald Links, Hull got the opportunity to put theory into practice. During the pro-am, she struck the old wooden driver with notable proficiency, executing a controlled draw that navigated crosswind conditions. The experience appeared to reinforce her belief in the skill-dependent nature of vintage equipment.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda also participated in the hickory demonstration during her Wednesday session, taking several swings with the classic clubs. When asked about their potential usefulness for the upcoming tournament, Korda joked about their availability, acknowledging the imaginative shot-making required on links courses.

Hull's Links Golf Evolution

Hull has worked to reshape her approach to links courses after previously questioning their suitability for her game. She recorded a runner-up finish at the AIG Women's Open last year and has delivered strong performances at major championships this season. In recent comments, Hull acknowledged her mental shift regarding links golf, stating she has moved past the belief that the format doesn't suit her playing style and is instead focusing on adaptation.

"I'm kind of understanding links golf a little bit more in tournaments," Hull said during her pre-tournament press conference. "Just kind of got out of my head that links doesn't suit me, and just try and make it suit me."

Hull and Korda are scheduled to play the opening rounds together this week, with the championship taking place at Dundonald Links.