Suzann Pettersen weighs in on Charley Hull smoking ‘decision’ 

European Solheim Cup captain Suzann Pettersen has brushed aside talk of Charley Hull’s smoking habit. 

The Norwegian – who is set to lead the visitors in Virginia this week – has given Hull permission to smoke at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. 

Hull, 28, was banned from lighting cigarettes at the Olympics last month but has returned to the act on her seventh Solheim Cup appearance. 

She was filmed borrowing a lighter from a fan during Wednesday’s practice round. 

Charley Hull just borrowed a lighter from a fan at the Solheim Cup💀 pic.twitter.com/K0pbUoY0vQ

— Gabby Herzig (@GabbyHerzig) September 12, 2024

“It’s nice to get Charley going, she doesn’t like to sit around and wait,” said Pettersen, who sent Hull out first on Friday. 

“And she has interacted well with the home fans here this week. 

“She’s having a ball. Charley’s old enough to make those decisions [smoking].” 

Teaming up with rookie Esther Henseleit, Hull faces world No.1 Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz in the opening foursomes match. 

With the task of overcoming Korda, a six-time winner on the LPGA Tour this season, being able to smoke on the course could help Hull. 

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Before teeing it up at Le Golf National last month, she admitted it ‘relaxes’ her. 

“I do smoke on the course, it’s just something I do,” said Hull. “It’s a habit.” 

The phenomenon first came into light at the US Women’s Open in May. She set tongues wagging after a fan spotted Hull smoking while signing autographs. 

Meanwhile, Pettersen was confident that Hull is ready to help Team Europe lift a historic fourth consecutive Solheim Cup. 

“Charley’s in fine form,” Pettersen said. “She’s flying high, doing her own thing. I actually think she’s in great spirits. 

“She loves the Solheim a lot. Thankfully, we only have one of her on our team because imagine having 12 of her. That would be kind of a handful.”