Charley Hull, currently ranked 20th in the world of women’s golf, has embarked on a notable journey by quitting smoking after placing a £10,000 bet with a friend to stop tobacco use. This significant decision comes as she prepares to compete in the Women’s Open, where the attention from fans following her is nearly as intense as the crowds drawn by world number one Nelly Korda. Hull’s smoking cessation marks a turning point in her career as she strives for her first major championship victory.
Known for her charismatic and approachable personality, Hull has gained recognition beyond the green as a relatable figure, even starring alongside John Daly in Happy Gilmore 2. Her candid reflections on quitting smoking and her goals for 2025 reveal a focused athlete balancing personal growth with professional ambition.
From Smoking to Success: Hull’s Commitment to Quitting Tobacco
Hull’s decision to quit smoking came after struggling with the habit developed as a coping mechanism following her ADHD diagnosis in 2023. The diagnosis had introduced challenges in maintaining concentration during the slow-paced six-hour rounds typical on the LPGA circuit. Her fast-paced nature contrasts with the game‘s often slow rhythm, contributing to her reliance on cigarettes in the past.
Discussing her journey, Hull shared,
“Literally, I haven’t smoked one cigarette from that day.”
—Charley Hull
She elaborated on the ease with which she abstained from smoking, attributing her success partly to a £10,000 wager with a friend, which motivated her to quit cold turkey. Although initially a two-month commitment, she recognizes the long-term potential of this change in lifestyle:
“It was two months… to break a habit, it takes like 21 days. And if you do it for two months, you can do it for ages. But, you know, obviously you can’t promise anything for life like that.”
—Charley Hull
Hull now uses nicotine patches to help manage cravings and to maintain focus during slower moments on the course, explaining,
“Now I’m on the nicotine patches. It kind of just kind of kills the buzz away a little bit, gives me something else to focus on. It can be slow out here sometimes.”
—Charley Hull
Successfully overcoming smoking represents an important milestone for Hull’s health and career longevity as she prepares for the intense demands of competitive golf.
Maintaining Competitive Edge Amid Health and Fitness Challenges
Despite her talent and impressive world ranking, Hull is still chasing her first major title. Frequent comparisons to golf legends such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy underscore the high expectations for her career. However, recent setbacks including a withdrawal from the Evian Championship due to a severe virus, which caused significant weight loss, have complicated her path forward.
As a self-described fitness enthusiast, Hull faces additional hurdles in maintaining her physical routine. She currently cannot run her usual 5-kilometer session before tournament tee times. Her goal for this year is to break 20 minutes, but she acknowledges recent struggles:
“The last three weeks, because I’ve been ill and hurt my back, I’m just literally just gonna get up, roll out of bed, have a shower, come down, do my exercises and my physio and hit a few balls and go out and play.”
—Charley Hull
Hull remains optimistic about regaining her physical form, saying,
“I haven’t been to the gym much lately, but I am looking forward to testing it out when I have a bit of time off.”
—Charley Hull
Her resilience and dedication to recovery highlight her commitment to staying competitive on the LPGA Tour despite recent health challenges.
Charley Hull’s Approach to Life Outside the Course
To balance the pressures of professional golf, Hull understands the importance of downtime and relaxation. This week, she plans to spend time with her family, including her sister and baby nephews, and unwind by watching the popular television show Love Island. She noted,
“My nephew, my baby nephews are coming this week and my sister, my family. So I’m just going to go out for a nice meal with them this evening and just chill and watch Love Island on TV.”
—Charley Hull
Hull’s ability to connect with fans extends beyond golf, as demonstrated by her Instagram following exceeding 750,000. She frequently engages with followers through her humor and relatable demeanor, as well as memorable moments like outdriving two-time major winner Collin Morikawa and teasing him lightheartedly.
Confidence and Competitive Spirit Define Hull’s Career
Hull’s competitive heart shines through in her candid responses to challenges from fellow golfers and critics alike. In 2023, after a three handicapper claimed he could consistently make cuts on the LPGA Tour and rank among the top 20 players, Hull issued a playful but pointed reply. Recalling the incident, she said,
“I find it quite funny, really. I do. At the end of the day, everyone’s got an opinion and I just thought it’d be comical to reply back to it.”
—Charley Hull
She added,
“And yeah, listen, the girls, we are really good players out here. It would have been quite good to have had the match.”
—Charley Hull
Her skills and fearless attitude ensure that when she competes, the results are impressive and often intimidating to opponents.
Looking Ahead: Major Ambitions and Personal Growth
As Charley Hull prepares to tee off at Royal Porthcawl, she remains determined to capture her first major title despite recent illness and adversity. Quitting smoking and maintaining her fitness demonstrate the discipline underpinning her efforts to elevate her game. Her openness about personal struggles including ADHD adds depth to her image, making her a role model for resilience in sports.
Hull’s upcoming participation at the Women’s Open will be closely watched, not only for her performance but also for the progress of her charley hull quits smoking journey and fitness comeback. With ambitions to break personal records and challenge the sport’s elite, Hull’s trajectory promises to inspire fans worldwide.