It’s the iconic Europe vs. America showdown. Expecting a rough crowd in the U.S.? Dream on! That wasn’t the case when Charley Hull was spotted on the greens during the practice round at the 2024 Solheim Cup. The golfer walked over to the crowd and… wait for it… asked for a lighter! Typical Hull, but the fans love it nevertheless!

“Do you feel like your celebrity has grown this summer?” asked a reporter during a pre-tournament press conference on Thursday, alluding to the American crowds. Her response? “I don’t really know,” replied the pro while expressing love for the sport, “I love the American crowds. It’s so much fun. I always love playing a Solheim Cup in America because the atmosphere is unbelievable.”

Charley Hull then admitted how much she enjoys playing golf in America. “The crowds are a great laugh,” added the athlete, “Even though they’re supporting America they’re still respectful, and we just have a lot of fun out there.” That much, interestingly, could be spotted when she asked a fan for a lighter and they happily gave it to her. And what’s the skipper’s verdict on the smoking? “Charley’s old enough to make those decisions,” said the captain. So basically, a green light!

But that’s not all the captain had to say about the 28-year-old after watching her connect with the fans. “It’s nice to get Charley out there and going early,” admitted Suzann Pettersen with a grin, “She doesn’t like to sit around and wait. And she has interacted well with the home fans here this week.” Many could even spot the English professional taking selfies with American fans, a huge smile on her face.

The surprise doesn’t end there. Maybe it was her star persona that helped, but the captain certainly chose her to play the first shot in the Friday foursomes. She was paired up with rookie Esther Henseleit to tee off against the likes of Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz. Seems challenging? Not to worry, since Charley Hull can very well ease her worries by lighting a smoke, which she recently became famous for!

The tale of Charley Hull and the half-smoked cigarette between her lips

It was the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open when the professional was spotted smoking a cigarette while signing an autograph. Although there was a mixed reaction from the community, many took a liking to her style on the course, comparing her to John Daly. However, the rules at the 2024 Paris Games that followed weren’t too welcoming, as the European golfer was prohibited from indulging in that act during the quadrennial event.

The story doesn’t end there. In the AIG Women’s Open that followed soon after, the athlete was spotted yet again hitting her vape during a sizzling round 1, leaving her at 5-under 67. Although she didn’t emerge victorious, finishing T20 after Sunday’s play, the image of her smoking left quite an impression on the community. And she will surely turn many more heads at the Solheim Cup as well.