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You may know her as one of the most successful British pros on the LPGA Tour, but Charley "Smokin'" Hull is also known for another habit - her love of lighting up during her rounds. The 28-year-old is rarely seen without a cigarette dangling from her lips, even signing autographs for fans while taking a drag.
However, it seems Hull will have to quit the habit cold turkey this week as she tees it up for Team Great Britain at the Paris Olympics. When asked about the Games' strict no smoking policy at a pre-tournament press conference, Hull admitted it would be an adjustment. "I do smoke on the course. "It's a habit, but I won't do it this week. I don't think you're allowed," she told reporters. "I think it will. Because it relaxes me a little bit, but it is what it is."
🇫🇷🚫🚬 #NEW: Charley Hull says she may not be allowed to smoke while on the course this week and that it could affect her game as she goes for gold in Paris. pic.twitter.com/wLWhx134bB
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 6, 2024
Later in the interview, Hull reflected on how her cigarette breaks have gained international attention in the past. "I always like signing autographs," she laughed. "Had a cigarette in my mouth, signed it, and then it’s gone viral." It's true - footage of Charley puffing away with a club in her other hand went massively viral on social media earlier this season.
That viral image further enhanced Hull's "Smokin' Charley" nickname among fans and media who follow her globetrotting golf career.
Now as she prepares for her first Olympics, the spotlight is again on Hull and her difficult task of quitting the cigarettes even if only for the duration of her tournament.
Charley Hull, pictured smoking during the Women’s PGA Championship, is facing a smoking ban in the Olympic tournament at Le Golf National (Lindsey Wasson/AP). (AP)
So while smoking fans won't get to see Charley light up between shots in Paris, they can still root for one of the game's most entertaining personalities. Whether she's chain smoking or chain scoring, Smokin' Charley always keeps things interesting.
We'll have to see if not having her trusty cigarettes affects her game at all this week. One thing is for sure - she'll still be the talk of the tour wherever she goes, smoke or no smoke!