LPGA Star, Charley Hull, Makes $10,000 Smoking Bet

Charley Hull: The Golfer, the Habit, and the $10,000 Bet

Golf is a sport known for its discipline and precision, but every so often, a player comes along who defies expectations. Charley Hull, a two-time LPGA Tour winner and one of the most recognizable names in women’s golf, is no stranger to making headlines. However, lately, it’s not just her impressive swings or tournament results that have been grabbing attention. The 28-year-old has been in the spotlight for her smoking habit, a trait that has sparked both fascination and concern among fans and critics alike. Now, Hull has decided to make a change, and she’s doing it in a way that’s as bold as her personality—by placing a $10,000 bet on herself to quit smoking for two months.

The $10,000 Bet: A Risky Road to Change

Hull didn’t just make the bet; she broadcasted it to her 728,000 followers on Instagram. In a video posted to her Stories, she captured the moment she agreed to the wager with fellow professional golfer Ryan Evans. Evans, who primarily competes on European circuits, will keep tabs on her progress, jokingly vowing to monitor her “24 hours a day.” While the prize for winning the bet isn’t clear, Hull made one thing certain: she won’t be pocketing any money if she succeeds. Instead, the stakes are personal—she’s proving to herself that she’s a woman of her word. “Deal is a deal,” she wrote in her Instagram Stories. “Let’s see if I’m a woman of my word.” The public display of her commitment has turned her attempt to quit smoking into a spectacle, blending her career as a golfer with her personal life in a way that feels undeniably authentic.

The Origins of the Habit: Stress, Vaping, and a Surprising Substitute

Hull’s smoking habit first became public knowledge midway through the last golf season. At the time, she explained that it was a misguided attempt to quit vaping. “I was a bit stressed last year, and I just kind of vaped,” she told Golf.com in June. “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.” While smoking and vaping are both harmful, Hull’s logic was simple: by switching to smoking, she hoped to limit her intake by confining it to outdoor settings. However, the habit stuck, and soon, the sight of her smoking during tournaments became a talking point for fans and media alike.

The Fan Reaction: A Throwback to John Daly

For many golf enthusiasts, Hull’s smoking habit has drawn comparisons to the legendary John Daly, a two-time major champion known as much for his explosive drives as for his unconventional lifestyle. Daly’s carefree approach to health, including his well-documented smoking habit, has made him a cult figure. Like Daly, Hull’s unapologetic personality and willingness to express her opinions have endeared her to fans. The parallels between the two have been hard to ignore, with many fans embracing Hull’s rebellious image. However, there’s one key difference: while Daly has never been known for his fitness, Hull is widely regarded as one of the fittest players on the LPGA Tour. Despite her smoking habit, she embodies a contradiction—she’s a model of physical health and athleticism in her sport.

A New Chapter: Hull’s Determination to Change

For Hull, the decision to quit smoking isn’t just about the bet or the public attention it’s garnered. It’s about taking control of her health and her future. Her willingness to document the process on social media adds an extra layer of accountability, turning her personal struggle into a public journey. By sharing her experience, Hull is not only challenging herself but also inviting her fans to witness her growth. The $10,000 wager is a gamble, but it’s one she’s willing to take. Whether she succeeds or not, the act of trying—to reinvent herself, to push past her limits—speaks volumes about her resilience and determination.

The Legacy of Charley Hull: More Than Just a Golfer

As the golf world waits to see if Hull will emerge victorious from her two-month challenge, one thing is clear: Charley Hull is a force to be reckoned with. Her bold personality, her unapologetic style, and her ability to connect with fans have made her a standout figure in the sport. Whether she’s on the course or off it, Hull’s story is one of grit, humor, and an unrelenting drive to be true to herself. The smoking habit may be on its way out, but Charley Hull’s legacy as a golfer and a personality is only just beginning to take shape.