"I've got 13 blisters on both my hands"- Charley Hull opens up about her struggles and why she took a break from LPGA Tour
Charley Hull has not been playing much lately. She had to take some time off from the LPGA Tour before returning for the Maybank Championship this weekend. After a dominant showing at the Solheim Cup, which came in a losing effort, fans haven't seen as much of her.
The golfer said during a press conference (via ASAP Sports) that she took a four-week break because she was "pretty tired" and feels like she is "just getting back" into her natural game.
Hull added:
"I kind of struggle with the heat. I'm actually allergic to the humidity. I had -- my hands swelled up yesterday. I had to pull out of the pro-am after nine holes. I've got 13 blisters on the combined of my both hands, which is a bit annoying because I just seriously swell during the heat, so it's pretty tricky."
She revealed that she was given some tablets to help and that the struggle "wasn't too bad" during the opening round of the tournament, where she shot even par and is currently tied for 55th place.
If Hull is to contend for another title, she will have to catch up with Mao Saigo, who is nine-under par and the current leader. She will not, however, have to contend with world number one Nelly Korda.
The English golfer, who had a terrific head-to-head matchup with Korda at the Solheim Cup, said:
"Yeah, shame Nelly is not playing. I think she's had a pretty good season so I don't blame her taking it off."
Korda has won multiple tournaments and a major in 2024. While she's not out there, Hull is battling conditions to try and secure a win.
Charley Hull opens up on return to LPGA Tour
Since taking a little bit of a break, Charley Hull has returned to the LPGA Tour at the Maybank Championship. Her first round was an even par 72, but she felt like it was a round she wasn't upset with.
Via ASAP Sports, the golfer revealed:
"Yeah, I felt like I played pretty solid. Just gave away a couple shots. I think one was like on the 5th hole, the par-5, and the other one was the drivable par-4 towards the end. Apart from that hit it pretty decent. I had a good birdie at the last, and I think tomorrow I can shoot a pretty good score, low score out here."
She anticipates climbing the leaderboard tomorrow. Charley Hull is tied for 55th with Auston Kim, Esther Henseleit, Anna Nordqvist, and others and will need to perform well in round two to make sure she makes the cut.