The Charlie Hull controversy: Scots-born LPGA Tour player has her say

E-mail from Mhairi McKay

Hello Colin,
While I appreciate your note on the Charley Hull saga, pointing out that Charley as a young amateur has been given a spot in a major ahead of a professional trying to make a living at the game, this tournament has a long history behind it and the sponsor (who gets to decide invites - after all, they put the money up for the tournament) decided long ago to give spots to either amateurs or professionals from other tours who didn't have status on the LPGA(for the most part).  

However this is besides the point. Charley has been given an invite and recognised for playing well. Congratulations to her!  I understand there is a conflict with the Curtis Cup training weekend. However, it is unreasonable to expect this girl to travel across eight time zones and have her be able to prepare properly for this major.  

As this major has a corporate sponsor, unlike all of the men's majors, there is a two-day pro-am event (that Charley will not be selected to participate in) being played on Tuesday and Wednesday, thus giving Charley only Monday to play a practice round on the tournament course.  

Having played this great major, it is a course that requires lots of         knowledge so give Charley (especially as I'm sure she'll being going up against some of the American Curtis Cup players) a good chance at some proper preparation.  

Why is this girl being punished for having played well. It is just sickening. Believe me I have nothing but the greatest, most cherished memories, having represented GB and I in two Curtis Cup matches. All I want is the best players to be available for selection.  

Also, both times I played in the Curtis Cup I was studying at Stanford and was unable to attend training weekends. It is my understanding this would disqualify me now if I was trying to play on the team unless I travelled back from the States to play in these weekends.  

Sorry, but I rather be studying and working on my game in the States, playing against the girls I already know are on the American team, than playing in what will likely be a freezing, howling gale at Nairn.  

Charley, you can borrow my old Mission Hills yardage books if you need them. All the best.

Mhairi McKay

PS The Kraft Nabisco is considered the "Masters" of the women's majors.  We all the know the Masters has a long history of amateur invites.