It wasn’t your typical T-19 finish for Charley Hull.
The English golfer finished 10 strokes behind US Women’s Open champ Yuka Saso last week at Lancaster Country Club, but a single cigarette made her the viral sensation of the major tournament.
Hull was photographed signing an autograph for a fan as a cigarette hung off her lips during a practice round ahead of the US Women’s Open.
“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,” Hull told reporters after she shot 3-under in her final round Sunday.
Fans on the grounds at Lancaster CC certainly took notice.
A video surfaced with a fan shouting, “Come on Charley, rip that thing.”
Hull, to the delight of those around, responded, “Hope you’re talking about my driver.”
Another fan tried to be a bit more low-key in getting Hull’s attention.
“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,” the 28-year-old said.
NBC Sports reported that Hull gained 70,000 followers on Instagram as a result of the moment.
She has gained more notoriety than she did a year ago in the US Open when she finished tied for second.
But yet…
“I hate smoking,” Hull said. “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.”