John Daly has some competition.
Charley Hull, a name synonymous with excellence in golf, captured widespread attention far beyond the usual sports circles after a video of her smoking a cigarette while signing autographs at a tournament went viral last month.
This unusual scene took place at the U.S. Women’s Open and featured Hull engaging with fans, cigarette in hand, which certainly struck a chord on social media.
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The moment even saw one fan walking away with a rather unique memento: a cigarette signed by Hull herself during the Women’s PGA Championship, turning an ordinary item into an unforgettable souvenir.
From a young age, Hull has been a prominent figure in the world of golf. A child prodigy from England, she turned professional at the tender age of 16 in 2013, after already making a mark on the Ladies European Tour. Her transition to the LPGA Tour in the mid-2010s was seamless, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Hull has accrued six professional wins and consistently performs well in major tournaments. In 2023 alone, she secured second place at both the U.S. Women’s Open and Women’s British Open. Her skills and competitive spirit have earned her the rank of the eighth-best women’s golfer globally.
While Hull has always been a known entity among those who follow women’s golf, her public profile saw a significant spike not only from her sportsmanship but also from her off-the-course interactions, like the time she challenged an internet troll to a match. However, none of these incidents brought as much attention as the recent viral video of her casually smoking while interacting with fans, a moment that drew unexpected parallels to golf legend John Daly, known for his colorful personality and similar habits.
Interestingly, Hull’s choice to smoke cigarettes emerged as a way to taper off her vaping habit, a personal detail she shared amidst the buzz. The video’s popularity could be dissected from various psychological angles, suggesting a mix of curiosity and surprise from the public regarding such a candid display from a professional athlete.
Amidst this heightened visibility, Hull’s approachability and relatability were on full display at the recent KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
When a fan requested her to sign a cigarette, she willingly obliged, adding her initials “CH” to the ‘dart.’ This act of goodwill not only endeared her further to her fans but also solidified her reputation as a golfer who embraces her individuality and interacts genuinely with her supporters.
To some, the signed cigarette might seem like a trivial item, but for those who appreciate the unique blend of personal and professional moments athletes share with the world, it’s a priceless artifact.
