Charley Hull collapsed on course twice during the early stages of the female season's fourth major before being put on a stretcher and whisked to the clubhouse for emergency attention. The Englishwoman was one under through 12 holes at the Evian Championship in France when she was struck down with what has been described as "the effects of a virus". Having started on the 10th, there was little warning of the 29-year-old's illness in her opening nine holes on the course overlooking Lake Geneva. But she suddenly needed to sit down near a bunker on the third. On the next hole, she collapsed on the tee-box and help was immediately called for. In worrying scenes, the officials allowed the group behind to play through as Hull took a 15-minute medical time-out before she teed off again. However, after hitting her tee shot, Hull collapsed again and that was when she accepted that she had to withdraw. Despite her illness, Hull managed three birdies on the front nine with two bogeys as she went in search of her first major victory after posting consecutive 12th-placed finishes at the US Open and Women's PGA Championship earlier this year. After leaving the course, Hull was reported to be "sat up and feeling better". Looking on, Trish Johnson, the Sky Sports analyst who was recently awarded an MBE for her success on the fairways, voiced the concerns of many. "Gutting, isn't it?" she said. "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. "And what's really really disappointing is that with his golf course, if Charley 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. 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 showed her suitability for the quirky layout when she finished third three years ago. The world No 19 has yet to win a major, but has racked up runners-up placings at the Women's Open, US Women's Open and the Chevron Championship. Ireland's Leona Maguire is one of several clubhouse leaders tied on six-under par after her 65, the highlight of which was a hole-in-one on the second. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.