The U.S. Women’s Open in 2022 was not only a showcase of golfing prowess, but also a platform for the unexpected rise to stardom of Charley Hull. A 28-year-old golfer hailing from Northamptonshire, England, she swiftly transformed from relative obscurity to a cult figure among fans within a mere week. What initiated this whirlwind was a seemingly ordinary instance involving a cigarette, which soon snowballed into a viral sensation.
Whilst traversing the practice area on a Tuesday morning, Hull was caught on camera lighting a cigarette and signing autographs for a group of children. This seemingly nonchalant act was captured on video and swiftly gained momentum on social media, garnering almost 50,000 likes and 2.3 million impressions by week’s end. The sudden attention catapulted Hull into the realm of defiance and non-conformity, drawing parallels to the unconventional approach of the legendary John Daly.
Despite the widespread attention, Hull emphasized her overall healthy lifestyle, underscoring that she only smokes occasionally and rarely imbibes in alcoholic beverages. She disclosed her initial foray into smoking as a means to alleviate stress, and also mentioned that she had ceased vaping. Despite the stigma attached to smoking, Hull’s popularity burgeoned as fans rallied around her during the U.S. Women’s Open. In fact, spectators were witnessed seeking her autograph with cigarettes in their own mouths, and one admirer even discreetly slipped her his phone number after her round.
On the golf course, Hull’s performance spoke volumes as she concluded with a three-under 67, cementing a top-20 finish. Her social media following also experienced a surge, with Hull amassing over 70,000 new Instagram followers in just one week.
Despite the newfound attention, Hull remains grounded and focused on her game. The unexpected spotlight has provided her with a glimpse of what it means to be a favourite among fans, and she anticipates more exhilarating and unexpected moments in the future. With electrifying performances on the course and an ever-growing fan base, Charley Hull might just be the next luminary in women’s golf.
This article was penned by Zephyr Melton, an adept assistant editor for GOLF.com with a background in sports blogging, production, and editing. His extensive knowledge of the golfing world and first-hand experience covering amateur and women’s golf has rendered this article imperative reading for enthusiasts of the sport. For further details on this story and other captivating golf narratives, please contact Zephyr Melton at [email protected].