Golf demands physical skill and mental resilience. The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, held at the iconic Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wisconsin, once again showcased the highest level of athleticism and professionalism in women’s golf. As the longest-running major on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, the U.S. Women’s Open carries immense prestige. This year, Charley Hull delivered a commendable performance, tying for 21st place. This marked a significant improvement over her recent outings and highlighted her enduring presence in the sport.
But Hull’s story is about more than just her scorecard. Her approach to golf reveals powerful lessons in managing pressure, maintaining perspective, and knowing our worth beyond performance.
Managing Pressure
Charley Hull is no stranger to pressure. In fact, she’s competed on the LPGA Tour for over a decade. Over the years, Hull has developed strategies to manage the mental demands of elite competition.
Golf is a sport that asks a lot of its athletes—not just physically, but emotionally. LPGA players are expected to stay composed under intense pressure and showing too much emotion can sometimes be seen as a weakness. This constant need to perform while keeping a calm exterior can take a mental toll.
Hull’s approach to caring for both her physical and mental health is a reminder that preparing for competition isn’t just about perfecting your swing—it’s also about taking care of your mind. We all benefit from learning what makes us feel grounded and mentally ready.
You might find that a quick walk, listening to your favorite playlist, or taking a few deep breaths helps you. The key is exploring what works for you so you can be strong and focused in sport and beyond.
“I love golf and I want to play it until my hands bleed, but its just a game and I want to make it as fun as possible and keep it exciting”
Switching Focus
Pre-competition nerves are part of the game. Hull has built strategies to manage those anxious moments. One of her go-to methods? Getting into the gym.
These workouts help shift her focus from the mental noise of the competition to the physical rhythm of movement. “I just find that [working out] gives me so much more energy, and it gives me something to focus on,” she says.
Getting her body moving before she tees off is non-negotiable for Hull. “I feel like if I’ve done a good gym session, I can tackle anything the rest of the day,” she says. Hull often wakes up as early as 4 a.m. to squeeze in a gym session before competition begins. For Hull, getting her body moving before teeing off is non-negotiable. “I feel like if I’ve done a good gym session, I can tackle anything the rest of the day,” she says.
This habit reflects a deeper truth about athletic performance and stress relief: movement is a powerful tool. For Hull, exercising before a round of golf converts nervous energy into purposeful action. It reconnects her mind and body, restoring a sense of control and calm.
For many of us, anxiety can create a disconnect between our minds and our bodies. But when we establish that mind-body connection, we’re not just managing nerves—we’re unlocking peak performance. In competition, the mind-body connection isn’t a bonus. It’s a necessity.
Worth Beyond the Game
Hull’s passion for golf runs deep—but she’s also grounded in the knowledge that her identity extends beyond the sport. “I love golf and I want to play it until my hands bleed, but it’s just a game, and I want to make it as fun and exciting as possible,” she says.
This perspective is crucial for athletes at every level. Our worth is not defined by scores, stats, or outcomes. Hull embraces this mindset by nurturing interests beyond the course and reminding herself she’s more than the results of any round. “If I hit a bad shot, I know I’m good enough to recover and hit a good one next,” she says. Resilience built with trust in herself allows Hull to remain steady under pressure and bounce back from mistakes with confidence.
And that confidence leads to freedom. Because Hull doesn’t tie her self-worth to every swing, she plays boldly, takes risks, and finds joy in the game. Her story is a powerful reminder to all athletes. When you know your value isn’t measured by performance alone, you unlock the confidence to show up fully—not just as a competitor, but as your whole self.
