Charley Hull has been a controversial figure for Team Europe at the Solheim Cup this week – but the British golfer has been given a huge boost ahead of the opening day
British golfer Charley Hull will play with puff at the Solheim Cup, having been granted permission to smoke on the course.
This comes as a sharp contrast to the strict no-smoking rule she faced during her stint at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where she ended up tied for 27th place. The 28-year-old pro will represent Team Europe and duel with world No. 1 Nelly Korda in the much-anticipated opening match in Virginia this Friday.
Hull, who has previously admitted smoking helps manage her ADHD and ditch vaping, is happy to return to her routine which aids in her relaxation and focus – a stark difference from the Olympic experience, which she feared would hamper her performance.
“It’s a habit now, but I won’t do it this week [at the Olympics] because you’re not allowed to,” Hull confessed before playing in Paris. She believes smoking has a calming effect that could positively influence her game: “I think it could affect me because smoking relaxes me a little bit. But I’ll just have to concentrate even harder on my golf.”
The captain of Europe’s Solheim Cup team, Suzann Pettersen, supports Hull’s choice to light up. “It’s nice to get Charley going, she doesn’t like to sit around and wait,” Pettersen observed, noting Hull’s engaging interaction with fans and overall enjoyment on the course.
“And she has interacted well with the home fans here this week. She’s having a ball. Charley’s old enough to make those decisions [smoking],” she added, endorsing Hull’s personal choice. In preparation for the big event, Hull was seen borrowing a lighter from a spectator during Wednesday’s practice round, suggesting she’s ready to swing into action without any hang-ups about the previous ban.
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