LPGA professional Charley Hull made headlines in early 2025 when she publicly committed to quit smoking, placing a $10,000 bet with fellow English golfer Ryan Evans as motivation. This bold challenge required Hull to remain smoke-free for two months starting in March, a timeframe she strategically set to solidify her resolve. Now, with more than two months elapsed, Hull has confirmed her successful quitting of the habit, demonstrating not only her dedication to personal health but also her competitive spirit off the golf course. Her experience reflects how mental discipline in sports can extend into overcoming personal challenges.

How Charley Hull Navigated the Quit-Smoking Challenge

In a recent appearance on the podcast Icons by Motiversity, 29-year-old Hull discussed her journey in staying smoke-free, revealing how she relied on her mental strength and fitness routine to support her efforts. When asked by host Tyler Waye if she was winning her bet, Hull responded confidently:

Yeah, easy. It was… uh, I’m pretty strong-minded. When I’m done with something, I’m completely done,

—Charley Hull. She noted that she had not smoked for over five weeks at the point of the interview and expressed firm certainty about not returning to the habit.

Hull explained her reasoning behind the two-month timeframe, saying,

I said two months because at the end of the day, you can’t promise what you’re going to do for the rest of your life,

—Charley Hull, emphasizing that this period was a realistic goal for breaking such a habit. She added,

It’s a long (hopefully) life that I’m going to live. But if you get over two months, then you’re not really… then it’s realistically you’re not really going to smoke. You’re not going to break that habit. Um, so yeah, I feel good,

—Charley Hull. Hull also called quitting smoking

“the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my life”

during her preparation for the inaugural Black Desert Championship in Utah, underscoring her strong commitment.

Hull is now preparing to compete at the Women’s Scottish Open, recovering from a recent withdrawal at the Evian Championship due to a collapse. Her success in quitting smoking represents a clear example of how mental resilience is crucial both on and off the golf course.

The Incident That Sparked Hull’s Decision to Quit

Charley Hull’s decision to publicly renounce smoking was preceded by an unexpected moment captured during the 2024 U.S. Open. While interacting with fans near the gallery ropes, she was photographed holding a cigarette, an image that quickly spread across social media and drew significant attention. This viral moment triggered a wave of reactions, ranging from surprise to concern from fans and sport commentators alike, who felt the habit contradicted the image of a professional athlete.

Reflecting on that time, Hull shared with The Guardian,

The attention I’ve received is a little surreal,

—Charley Hull. The exposure forced her to confront her smoking in a public and personal way. Although those close to her were aware of her smoking habit, it was the viral nature of the photo that made Hull reassess her choices. Growing up, she had seen her father smoke and would often scold him, adding a layer of complexity to her relationship with the habit. This pivotal moment became the catalyst for her $10,000 pledge to quit smoking, which she later confirmed and completed successfully.

Why Hull’s Bet Highlights Mental Strength in Breaking Habits

Charley Hull’s public challenge with Ryan Evans stands as a testament to the interplay between mental toughness and behavior change. By openly risking a significant sum of money, she created a strong external motivator that, coupled with her internal discipline, enabled her to break a difficult habit. Her approach — setting a clear, achievable short-term goal — aligns with psychological strategies known to increase success rates in habit cessation.

Hull’s example resonates beyond sports, illustrating how athletes’ mental skills can apply to personal wellbeing goals. As she prepares for upcoming tournaments, Hull’s smoke-free lifestyle also enhances her physical fitness and competitiveness. Her story encourages others struggling with similar challenges to harness determination and planning in pursuit of healthier living.