‘Making John Daly Proud’: Charley Hull Has Memorable U.S. Women’s Open

When you hear about a golfer smoking a cigarette while signing autographs before a round of golf, who do you think of?

Chances are, your answer is John Daly.

While that’s true, we’d also accept Charley Hull as a response.

.@HullCharley making John Daly proud. 😂 pic.twitter.com/hmp7EaiKRr

— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) May 28, 2024

The Englishwoman, who tied for runner-up at last year’s U.S. Women’s Open, finished 19th this year but made the rounds on social media for her fan-friendly behavior.

“I genuinely was walking to the range, had my hands full, someone asked me for an autograph, I’m not going to say no because I always like signing autographs. Had a cigarette in my mouth, signed it, and then it’s gone viral.”

Love this from Charley Hull so much pic.twitter.com/SI9GcAzDRC

— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) June 2, 2024

Hull also said that in addition to the prize money this weekend, she gained about 70,000 Instagram followers and a phone number.

“Someone said I’ve dropped something and then handed their phone number on a piece of paper in my hand. He was like, ‘Here’s my number. Text me so we can figure out where I’m taking you out for dinner tonight.’ I never texted him, obviously, but it was just so funny.”

As for the smoking, the 28-year-old said she’s hoping to kick the habit soon:

“I used to curse at my dad when I was younger for smoking, but I think it’s to do a little bit when I’m stressed. I was a bit stressed last year, and I just kind of vaped, 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. When it’s a slow round on the golf course, I smoke quite a few more than I should. But listen, I will stop soon. It’s just when.”

Yuka Saso won this event for the second time in her career, marking her only two LPGA victories in her career. Nelly Korda, who had won six of the last seven tournaments, shot at 10 on the par-3 12th hole on Thursday. In the other 35 holes she played, she was +3 and missed the cut by just two strokes.

Cover Image via Golf Magazine