Women's Open Championship: Charley Hull shoulders pressure as Jodi Ewart Shadoff makes return

Charley Hull: All eyes will be on Englands No 1 golfer at her home major this week.

England's No 1 Charley Hull will have to deal with the added expectation of home advantage in the Ricoh Women's British Open.

The tournament has returned to Woburn – the 20-year-old’s club – for the first time in 17 years.

Hull, whose previous best finish in four previous appearances in the British Open is 12th at Royal Birkdale in 2014, is confident she can deal with the spotlight but insists her local knowledge may not be that advantageous.

“I haven’t actually played the Marquess’ (course) that many times, even though I’ve been a member there since I was 10,” she said.

“I usually play on the Duke’s and the Duchess’ Courses because they are very tight. I still need to play a couple of practice rounds.

“It would be great to win the British Open, especially at your home golf course.

“There’s going to be a lot of pressure on me and a lot of focus, so I’m not going to be thinking about it too much.

“It’s going to be special but I’m not going to make it more than it is, it’s just another tournament, on my home golf course.”

Woburn hosts the championship for the first time since it gained major status in 2001, although it has always previously been played on the Duke’s Course.

Australian Karrie Webb’s first of three British Opens titles was won at Woburn in 1995 so a return holds fond memories for her. “I’m really looking forward to going back,” said the 41-year-old seven-time major winner.

Defending champion Inbee Park will not be at Woburn after withdrawing last week due to an injury to her left thumb.

Northallerton’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff is back on home soil after failing to make last year’s Open field. The 28-year-old is based on the LPGA Tour in America where she has failed to record a win. She finished eighth at the US Open earlier this year.