Charley Hull fears smoking ban could scupper medal hopes

Charley Hull has her sights set on winning a medal for Team GB at the Olympic Games this week – but is worried that not being allowed to SMOKE could derail her hopes.

The 28-year-old has puffed her way around the world’s top courses over the last few months and went viral during the US Women’s Open in June when pictures of her signing autographs with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth were widely shared online.

Hull insists that smoking helps her to control her ADHD. The English ace was diagnosed with the condition last year.

However, with a reported on-course smoking ban in place at Le Golf National during this week’s women’s Olympic golf competition, she’s worried about how her performance might be impacted.

• Golf fans all say the same thing about Olympic TV coverage

• Olympic Games: Women’s Competition Tee Times

“I do smoke on the course, it’s just something I do,” said Hull. “It’s a habit but I won’t do this week. I don’t think you’re allowed.”

Asked if she’s concerned that will have a negative effect on her golf, she replied; “Yeah, I think it will because it relaxes me a little bit. But it is what it is.”

Hull has spoken previously about her smoking habit, insisting that she intends to quit.

“My dad has smoked 40 a day since he was 12 years old and now he’s 75, and my nephew smokes who is like 25,” she said. “My whole family smokes, so it’s not something that I’ve noticed being odd.

• Ryder Cup: Europe make big changes to qualifying process

• 7 big names at risk of missing the PGA Tour play-offs

“[But] I hate smoking. I used to curse at my dad when I was younger for smoking, but I think it’s to do a little bit when I’m stressed. I was a bit stressed last year and I just kind of vaped, and I wanted to stop vaping, and even though smoking is not better than vaping, it’s just you can vape indoors all the time.

“I thought, if I smoke, I’m going to go outside and smoke a cigarette. When it’s a slow round on the golf course, I smoke quite a few more than I should.

“But listen, I will stop soon. It’s just when.”

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor