HOUSTON — If you’re missing those insane workout videos from World No. 4 Charley Hull, there’s a good reason. She’s still not back in the gym.
Hull is still recovering and rehabbing from a torn ankle ligament she suffered last year when she tripped and fell over a curb in the Centurion Club parking lot at the PIF London Championship.
Asked how she’s replacing the adrenalin rush of lifting weights and running, she pointed to working on the new build of a house in England.
“I’ve been doing my house up, to be fair,” Hull said on a rainy Tuesday ahead of the Chevron Championship. “That's been key for me kind of keeping my dopamine levels up. I decided if I don't make it at golf or win a major any time, soon I'll become an interior designer.”
Her agent might be pitching a home makeover television series now, and the 30-year-old British star has the personality to star in her own show. She was such a fixture on social media with her latest feats in the weight room, and she’s admitted that not being in the gym has affected her mentally, too.
“You feel a bit depressed because I've not been able to go to the gym,” Hull said. “It's part of my routine and now it's obviously not there. Been doing a lot of rehab stuff.”
Hull, who turned 30 in March, said she got inspiration to put a bathtub near the foot of her bed because of hotels she’s stayed in with that setup. A little luxury at home. She didn’t hire an interior designer, either. So when friends and family visit, they’ll know that every cabinet and fixture and decoration was chosen by her.
“It’s stressful, but it’s super fun,” Hull said. “I kind of like being under the gun because obviously I want to move into my house as soon as possible. It’s pretty much nearly finished now. I’m just getting my bath fitted this week. Going for a cool look in my bedroom.”
Hull heads into the Chevron as the No. 4 player in the world in a season in which she won the LET’s PIF Ladies International in February and has posted three top-17 finishes in four starts on the LPGA. The last of her three LPGA victories came last year in the Kroger Queen City Championship.
In majors, Hull has top-10 results in all five tournaments and has come close without breaking through for a win. In this tournament in 2016, known then as the ANA Inspiration, she tied for second, one shot behind Lydia Ko.
Now, the Chevron is being played at a third different venue in the last five years, at Memorial Park, which is listed at 6,811 yards for the tournament and normally plays as a par-70. This week, it will be par-72, with two par 4s being made into par 5s.
“Played nine holes [Monday],” Hull said. “I really like the golf courses. I like the length of the golf course and how you're hitting more longer iron shots into the greens. I find that super fun. I play that length at home with my friends, so doesn't feel too drastic. It's nice to not be coming in with a wedge every time.”
She’s had to alter her preparation a bit since the injury. She admits she’s clumsy and has sustained many injuries over the course of her career, but this one has made for a long recovery.
“I lost a bit of ball speed and club speed since my injuries and obviously not being able to get into the gym. It's been eight months now,” Hull said. “I’m starting to notice it now, quite a lot. So just been working on hitting the ball harder since I've been home and stuff like that.”
As for when she can get back in the gym, she thought she was going to be cleared a few weeks ago and she’s still waiting. Until then, she still has golf tournaments to play and interior design to keep her busy.