Golf

Meet Charley Hull, the cigarette-smoking, YSL-wearing new icon of women’s golf

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6 months ago

June 8, 2024

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Meet Charley Hull, the cigarette-smoking, YSL-wearing new icon of women’s golf

While smoking is not usually associated with athletes given its scientifically proven health consequences, it’s hard to deny that her look – carefree, cig in between tournament holes and all – was quite a vibe.

Charley Hull smokes a cigarette during the second round of the US Women’s Open in Pennsylvania, on May 31. Photo: Getty Images

She wasn’t breaking any rules either. According to GQ, the LPGA Tour Player Handbook does not mention anything about players being barred from lighting one up while on the course. Maybe it helps them de-stress. Either way, it’s helped Hull go viral across the internet, with netizens comparing her to John Daly, one of the most controversial – and exceptional – figures in golfing history.

Here’s what we know about her:

Where is Charley Hull from?

Charley Hull is becoming something of a “cult hero” in the world of golf. Photo: @charley.hull/Instagram

According to Golf.com, Hull – who’s being described by the outlet as a “cult hero” at the US Women’s Open – hails from Northamptonshire, England.

What is Charley Hull’s world ranking?

Charley Hull in Seoul: the golf star was recently recruited to rep for golf lifestyle brand Malbon. Photo: @charley.hull/Instagram

Per Fox, she was ranked eighth in the world golf rankings ahead of the LPGA Tour’s US Women’s Open.

How much is Charley Hull worth?

Charley Hull is thought to be worth around US$9 million already. Photo: @charley.hull/Instagram

Considering she’s still under 30, Hull has already amassed an impressive fortune after a decade in the sport. According to the LPGA’s official website, her career earnings amount to US$7.8 million, and Essentially Sports suggests she’s worth around US$9 million overall. Her income mainly stems from prize money, bonuses and endorsements. According to Thai media, she recently joined Jeongeun Lee and Swedish professional golfer Jesper Parnevik as ambassadors for golf lifestyle brand Malbon.

Did Charley Hull get married?

Charley Hull at Cheltenham race day rocking a 90s Clueless inspired ensemble. Photo: @charley.hull/Instagram

The 28-year-old was previously married to MMA fighter Ozzie Smith, according to Sportskeeda.

The same outlet notes that the pair got married in 2019 after being engaged for about a year. However, the marriage was short-lived, with Hull confirming their separation by 2021, per Essentially Sports. She has since remained tight-lipped about her love life.

She’s open about her mental health

In a July 2023 interview with Today’s Golfer, the Brit spoke about some of the mental health struggles she had been facing in the months before. “I’ve been playing well all season, it’s just confidence,” she said. “I’ve been struggling mentally this year, not on the golf course but off the course, so I had to fix my head to get better and I feel better now. It just shows you that, on the golf course, when you’re healthy you can play good golf.”

It seems like the time off helped her get back on track. “Pebble Beach is an amazing golf course. I really enjoyed it and obviously I played very well, so I feel like my game is in great shape going into a stretch of big tournaments, especially with the Evian and Women’s Open coming up, I feel really good,” she added.

In another interview with Women’s Golf magazine, she explained the methods she used to de-stress. “When I practice, I like to listen to a lot of music which chills me out, as I tend to be hyperactive,” she said. “I would say on the golf course I get bored quite easily as I’m a quick player and always want to hit my shot and move on to the next. I think sometimes if I get too hyper, I will think of a chilled song in my head just to keep me calm.”