Charley Hull captured the hearts and minds of the golfing community when she started lighting up cigarettes while she played in the U.S. Women’s Open. Drawing favorable comparisons to John Daly is quite the compliment for anyone, but isn’t for the faint of heart in the long-term as far as golf is concerned.
However, Hull was apparently using the cigs to kick her habit of vaping. She considered the darts a healthier alternative. So ya know, she’s obviously health-conscious.
.@HullCharley making John Daly proud. 😂 pic.twitter.com/hmp7EaiKRr
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) May 28, 2024
That’s why it’s with a heavy heart that I’m recapping how things took a turn for the worse re: Hull’s vape-avoidance strategy. The England native was spotted in the gallery, and then photographed by a professional. Tape don’t lie! I think that’s an applicable cross-sports analogy.
🚨👱🏻♀️🚬 #BLOWING SMOKE — LPGA star Charley Hull is seen hitting her vape during round 3 of the @KPMGWomensPGA pic.twitter.com/9snLEdMkwt
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 22, 2024
Onlookers nevertheless rooted Hull on, and she was actually up near contention until she reached that par-3 17th.
then things took a dark turn pic.twitter.com/hHLdnOMg2i
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) June 22, 2024
Her Saturday unraveled, as she made a triple bogey. Through the third round, Hull is in a tie for 12th — six strokes off the lead held by Amy Yang. Really not bad when you consider that she had her clubs temporarily lost by the airline en route to Sammamish, Washington, for the Women’s PGA.
Charley Hull's clubs didn't arrive until Wednesday 😳https://t.co/fzaR8pNgrB
— KPMG Women's PGA Championship (@KPMGWomensPGA) June 22, 2024
Charley Hull CHIPS IN to move 4-under at Sahalee! 💥
📺: NBC & @peacock | @KPMGWomensPGA pic.twitter.com/1xOvPMjptV
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) June 22, 2024
Despite the big number being a severe setback, the data hints at a history of just how good Hull is at major championships when it matters most:
Charley Hull now just 2 off the lead at Sahalee.
Over the last 2 seasons, she leads all players in strokes gained total on the weekend in majors (3.34 per round)
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) June 22, 2024
I seriously do wish Hull the best in her continued efforts to quit smoking. The ease, convenience and less-odorous aromas of 2024 vapes make them especially hard to put down for good. With so much unknown about vapes, and some speculation that they might be worse than cigs, Hull should probably just the known-quantity death sticks if anything. And to be clear, cigarettes are bad for you. Breaking news, that.
On the more positive side of this story, it’s admirable how Hull is so candid and open about who she is. And news like this only makes all of us who stan Charley more intrigued by the possibility of a reality TV series.
Love this from Charley Hull so much pic.twitter.com/SI9GcAzDRC
— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) June 2, 2024
Why not give this a shot? Full Swing on Netflix has been a huge hit when it comes to the men’s game. Hull is the most colorful personality in women’s golf and could create a new way in for fans.
Ah well, in any event: Hang in there, Charley Hull. The weening-off/substitute tactic did not work. Back to the drawing board. Happens to the best of us. Just gut it out and go cold turkey if at all possible!
