Golfer Charley Hull has told critics to “lighten up” after receiving backlash for a scratchcard prank she played on her caddie.

In the lead up to the ongoing Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Hull revealed she had purchased the ticket in a Blackpool joke shop and used it to trick caddie Adam Woodward into believing he had won £100,000 – a moment she caught on camera.

While many people have seen the funny side of the incident, Hull has faced criticism both on social media and from figures within golf, including four-time major winner Dame Laura Davies, who described the stunt as “extremely cruel” when asked about it on commentary.

However, Hull has refused to apologise for her actions, with the 30-year-old stating she would “100%” do it again.

“People that have complaints about it, I would say loosen up,” said Hull.

“I don’t have my social media on my phone on tournament weeks. I delete it and when I go home I’ll add it again. I don’t really like people seeing me and tagging me and stuff. I like to keep in the present moment.

“But I think people need to lighten up if they’re taking that too seriously because it was pretty funny.”

On Woodward, she added: “He thought it was funny after, he is not uptight. It’s a joke. If people don’t like it they can lump it, do you know what I mean?

“I felt bad for Adam but at the end of the day I have just got to have a good week. At the end of the week I’ll buy him 100 scratchcards.”