English professional golfer Charley Hull has expressed no remorse for playing a practical joke on her long-serving caddie, Adam Woodward, despite facing criticism online. The three-time LPGA champion responded to detractors by advising them to relax after receiving widespread disapproval for deceiving Woodward into thinking he had won £100,000 ($188,300 Cdn) on a fake lottery ticket.

During a press conference at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes in England, Hull was asked if she would repeat the prank. She confidently stated that she would, emphasizing that Woodward found it amusing afterward and was not overly serious about it. Hull even joked that she would purchase him 100 scratch cards by the end of the week, hoping he could earn more money through their performance.

Hull disclosed the details of the prank to journalists before the tournament commenced, describing how Woodward excitedly announced his supposed win in the players’ lounge, only to realize later that the lottery card was a hoax. Despite his initial disappointment, Hull shared that Woodward almost quit his job upon discovering the truth.

In a light-hearted manner, Hull concluded the story by posting a video of the prank on social media, apologizing to Woodward with the caption, “Sorry Adam, looks like you’re still on the bag this week!” However, the response from online users was predominantly negative, with some labeling the prank as mean-spirited and insensitive.

While some critics questioned Hull’s actions, pointing out her substantial career earnings, others defended her, highlighting that it was likely a harmless jest between a player and her caddie, who have been working together since 2015. As Hull aims to secure her first major victory at the AIG Women’s Open, where the winner will receive $1.5 million US from a historic $10 million US prize fund, the controversy surrounding the prank continues to stir debate.