Charley Hull: Golfer hopes new fitness regime will lead to first major

As part of the build-up to her return to tournament action, Hull has also taken time out for a coaching round with three competition winners from the Shires Junior Golf Tour at the John O'Gaunt Golf Club in Bedfordshire, where she used to play as a child and teenager.

"I've always got time for juniors because I was a junior once - and still think I am sometimes!" she said.

Asked about her top tips, Hull replied: "Go out there, have chipping competitions against other juniors, hit from behind trees, draw it, fade it, (play) bunker shots and hit it as hard as you can - it doesn't matter where you hit it, try to get that distance up, then when you're older you can always rein it in."

Learning from one of the world's best was certainly a memorable experience for trio of young winners.

"Some of the shots she hit were really amazing. The drive on the first hole we played was so cool - if I could hit it like that at any point in my life, I'd be so happy," said 12-year-old Caelan.

"I've never met a lady golfer - apart from my mum," added Georgia, also 12. "She gave me so many good tips. The bunker drill, you keep your left hand on your left knee and don't move that, I thought that was brilliant because I struggle in bunkers a little bit."

Ollie, 16, described playing with Hull as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

"Her ball striking is crazy, it's so good," he said. "It really shows why she's one of the best. All the stuff she's won, it really motivates you to become better and try to strive towards her level."

The Shires Junior Tour runs events in four counties: Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire.

"A round of golf with one of the world's best golfers, a local golfer as well, someone who has come through the ranks in this area... It's an opportunity that doesn't happen too often," said tour secretary Steve Jackson.

"Charley was great with them. She put them at ease and knows sometimes it can be overawing playing with someone who is so good.

"But they immediately knew they were in safe hands with Charley. She gave them lots of good tips as well, which hopefully will help them in their careers."

Interviews by BBC Look East's Tom Williams

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