As the world’s top female golfers prepare to tee off at the Paris Olympics, all eyes are on Charley Hull, but not just for her impressive swing. The British golfer has a notorious habit of puffing on a vape between shots and smoking a few darts too. Consequently, her habit has raised questions about whether she’ll be able to resist the temptation at the Olympics. Or will she be banned if she smokes?

The Olympics rules are clear: smoking and vaping are strictly off-limits at all venues, except in designated areas. The rule states, “In accordance with regulations, smoking is not permitted at any Paris 2024 venues except in the designated areas provided. This rule applies to both cigarettes and vaping. Sport cannot protect us against the harmful effects of smoking.” This means Charley Hull’s habit of smoking on the greens puts her at risk of breaking Olympic regulations. With this, the 28-year-old has to put some brakes on her habit. 

Rolex Ranking No. 11 has a history of smoking on the golf course, famously signing autographs with a cigarette dangling from her lips at the U.S. Women’s Open. After she went viral for smoking on the course, she hilariously revealed that she is trying to quit vaping and hence is relying on cigarettes. But weeks later, she’s also seen with her vape during the Women’s KPMG PGA Championship. There was no doubt that Hull looked effortlessly cool as she was captured puffing away the smoke. 

Moreover, the LPGA pro, when asked about her smoking habit, shrugged it off. She revealed that it’s nothing out of the ordinary for her family. “Yeah, listen, my dad has smoked 40 cigarettes a day since he was 12 years old, and now he’s 75, and my nephew smokes, who is like 25,” she said with a laugh. “My whole family smokes, so it’s not something that I’ve noticed being odd,” she added. 

Well, all eyes will be on her as she takes to the Olympic course. Interestingly, she’s not the only British athlete with a penchant for smoking; her compatriot, Shirley Strong, a British hurdler, has also been open about her habit, admitting to smoking after every race. A famous photo even shows Strong with a cigarette in hand and her 1982 Commonwealth Games gold medal draped around her neck. 

Similarly, Hull’s habits have drawn comparisons to another golfing legend, John Daly, who has built a reputation for his unconventional ways.

How did Charley Hull respond to the John Daly comparisons?

Is Charley Hull the ‘John Daly of women’s golf’? The 2x LPGA champion addressed the comparisons, saying, “I find it quite funny, because I actually do go to the gym and I’m a very healthy person. I only smoke. I hardly drink. I don’t need to drink because I can have a fun time without it.” John Daly is famous for his drinking habits also. He always love to have a beer, and have done so on the golf course as well.

Hull’s comments have sparked a wider conversation about her smoking habit and its potential impact on her game. But as the women’s Olympic golf tournament is around the corner, she knows she cannot smoke inside the ropes at Le Golf National.