Charley Hull has made it clear—she’s not here to fit a mold. Known for her bold, unfiltered personality, the English golfer is once again in the spotlight, this time for how she’s handling public backlash over her smoking habits and a viral parody that poked fun at her image.
It all began when Hull was photographed during the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open casually signing autographs with a cigarette in hand. The image, which spread like wildfire online, sparked debates and criticism. But Hull stood firm, telling LPGA media, *“I only smoke. I hardly drink. I don’t need to drink because I can have a fun time without it.”*
In March 2025, she made a public pledge via Instagram to quit smoking, staking £10,000 on her promise. “Today, I’ve made a decision. I’m going to stop smoking,” she announced, betting she wouldn’t touch a cigarette for two months. But the critics didn’t back off—in fact, things escalated.
Going Viral for the Wrong Reasons
Comedian Hannah Rae released a parody video mocking Hull, complete with a fake press conference and exaggerated Aussie accent. The clip featured over-the-top smoking jokes and imitations of Hull’s attitude, which quickly went viral. Fans laughed, but Hull wasn’t about to sit quietly.
At a press conference during the Riviera Maya Open on May 21 in Mexico, Hull responded to the growing noise:
*“I don’t know, really. I’m just myself. I think a lot of people these days aren’t their self because they’re in the public eye… With me, I’m just living my life the way I want to live it.”*
Fitness Over Filters
While headlines focus on her smoking, Hull has quietly embraced fitness as both a mental release and a personal challenge. “I love running as a hobby and for my fitness and my mind,” she said, highlighting how exercise helps her handle jet lag and travel demands.
She’s currently working toward running a 5K in under 20 minutes—down from her current 26-minute average—and participated in a Hyrox Sim fitness event last year, proving she’s serious about her health.
Rebel or Real?
Charley Hull isn’t trying to be a polished media figure. She’s not chasing perfect image points or curated PR campaigns. She’s living openly, flaws and all—and that’s what draws fans to her. Whether she ultimately quits smoking or not, her message is clear: she’s unapologetically Charley.
The question now is—will her fierce authenticity shift public opinion, or just fuel the fire? One thing is certain: Hull’s not dimming her light to make others comfortable.