Women’s golf ace Charley Hull was forced off the Evian Championship course on a stretcher after reportedly suffering from a virus midway through her round. The Englishwoman had been competing at the event in France when she collapsed following a tee shot. 

Hull hadn’t looked particularly comfortable in the early stages of her round and had sat down by the side of a bunker on the third hole. Following that, Hull requested a 15-minute medical break, but just after hitting her tee shot on the fourth, she was taken away by a medical cart and duly withdrew from the tournament. 

The Golf Channel, who were covering the event, claimed Hull had been feeling unwell because of a virus. It appeared to take its toll, given Hull is said to have fainted at the fourth tee box before officially calling for medical attention and pulling out of the tournament. 

Hull is said to have been taken to the on-site medical centre and is believed to be on the mend after the Thursday morning scare. Unfortunately for the 29-year-old, it means her wait for a major championship continues, having placed 12th at the recent US Women’s Open and KPMG Women’s PGA Championships. 

Reacting to the withdrawal, Trish Johnson said:  “Gutting, isn’t it. This is a big three weeks in women’s golf – you’ve got this week, the Women’s Scottish Open and then of course the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl.

“This golf course, if she drives the ball well, she can eat it up because she’s such a long-hitter. She’s always one of those players that you get excited about watching, because her game is so entertaining. It’s really disappointing. She did well to give it a go, if she’s that bad. Obviously very sad news and let’s hope she gets better very quickly.”

Hull is an outspoken member of the women’s tour and has previously claimed she prefers playing golf with her friends, compared to the hustle and bustle of the professional scene. She told Peacock Sports in an interview: “I just love playing golf, I think it’s so fun. I prefer playing golf at home with my friends than I do on tour. I just love golf for golf, not for making money. I balance it all out at home, I gym, I golf. I just wish there were more hours left in the day.”

The Evian Championship continues from the Evian Resort Club in the French Alps throughout the weekend.