Charley Hull's casual cigarette break during an autograph session sparked an unexpected response from a male fan who attempted a pickup. The veteran golfer shares the amusing encounter and reflects on the impact of the viral moment.
British LPGA Tour star Charley Hull found herself in an unanticipated situation following a practice session before last week's U.S. Women's Open. A video of Hull smoking a cigarette while signing autographs for fans went viral, propelling her into the spotlight.
Undeterred by the attention, Hull approached the media with a humorous perspective on the incident.
"It's quite funny, all over a cigarette," Hull told reporters, according to Golf.com. "I was just walking to the range, I had my hands full, someone asked me for an autograph, and I'm not going to say no because I like signing autographs for them."
With her hands occupied, Hull resorted to keeping the cigarette in her mouth while fulfilling the fan's request. Little did she know that this seemingly innocuous action would garner immense attention.
"It's gone viral," Hull remarked. "The fans have been shouting my name this week. Someone said I'd dropped something and handed their phone number to me, on a piece of paper in my hand. I thought it was so funny."
Hull declined to reveal if she had contacted the fan but found the interaction highly amusing.
"It's been a bit of a wild week," Hull said.
The incident has not only drawn attention to Hull's smoking habit, but also sparked a discussion about the role of female athletes in relation to their personal lives.
"I smoke and I don't really drink," Hull explained. "I was a bit stressed last year and I vaped. I wanted to stop vaping, and even though smoking is not better than vaping, you can vape indoors all the time. I thought if I smoke, I'm going to go outside and smoke a cigarette."
Despite failing to capture her first major title, Hull has emerged as a fan favorite, leaving a lasting impression on both the golf community and the broader public.
"I may not have won the major, but I've definitely made some new fans," Hull said. "This will be a tournament I'll never forget."
Hull's story highlights the complexities of modern sports culture, where athletes' off-field conduct and personal choices come under intense scrutiny. However, Hull's ability to address the viral moment with humor and self-awareness has endeared her to fans and fellow golfers alike.
