British golf star Charley Hull has become one of the most talked-about figures in women’s golf—not just for her talent but for her unapologetic personality and flair.
At just 28, Hull is ranked ninth in the world and has already earned more than £7 million from the sport. But it was a viral moment at the US Open that truly catapulted her into the spotlight: a clip of her casually signing autographs with a cigarette in her mouth. The incident drew comparisons to golf legend John Daly and sparked debate online. Some critics called her a poor role model, while many fans celebrated her rebellious charm, hailing her as a refreshing new face for the sport.
Hull admits she never expected such attention from something so small. “It was just one cigarette—it blew up like crazy,” she laughed. The publicity brought her more than 500,000 Instagram followers, countless new fans, and even a few cheeky date offers.
Known for her glamour and bold fashion choices, Hull often shares glimpses of her lifestyle on social media, from relaxing in bikinis poolside to dressing up for nights out in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas. Off the course, she’s linked to former Geordie Shore star Gary Beadle, further boosting her profile beyond golf.
Her story, however, is grounded in years of hard work. Born in Kettering, Hull started swinging clubs at two and won the British Ladies National Championship at just nine. She turned professional as a teenager, winning her first European Tour title at 17 and narrowly missing out on an Olympic medal at Rio 2016. With multiple European and LPGA victories under her belt, she’s now chasing her first major championship.
Despite her glamorous image, Hull insists she isn’t a party girl. Diagnosed with severe ADHD, she says routines like fitness training help her stay focused and balanced. “I might come across rebellious, but really, I’m just being me,” she said. “I’m in bed by 10 most nights. I don’t drink much—I just smoke.”
Loved by fans and admired by fellow golfers, Hull is proving she can be both a top athlete and a cultural icon. As her friend and fellow golfer Mel Reid puts it: “Spending time with Charley is like taming a wild animal—she loves the attention, and she owns it.”
