How a cigarette turned Charley Hull into a cult hero at U.S. Women’s Open

Charley Hull’s playful and laid-back demeanor at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open turned her into an unexpected cult hero among golf fans. During the final round at Lancaster Country Club, Hull, from Northamptonshire, England, caught the crowd’s attention in a moment of candidness.

As her playing partner Jenny Shin contemplated her shot, Hull graciously posed for selfies with fans by the rope line. Though her birdie attempt missed the mark, Hull’s charm and accessibility had already won over the gallery. By week’s end, she secured a top-20 finish, but her growing popularity seemed to outshine her performance on the course.

What truly ignited Hull’s newfound celebrity, however, was an unscripted moment earlier in the week when she lit a cigarette while signing autographs for young fans. Captured on video, the footage quickly went viral, with media outlets dubbing her the “female John Daly” for her unapologetic behavior.

The viral clip sparked a wave of support from fans, who began to follow her every move, some even mimicking her signature cigarette pose. Hull embraced the attention, taking it all in stride and sharing her joy in the enthusiastic crowds that cheered her on. Her authentic, no-nonsense approach resonated with fans, cementing her as one of the tournament’s most beloved players.