Cigarette-smoking golfer Charley Hull opens up at Olympics about dating life
Charley Hull, the acclaimed English professional golfer, recently opened up about her personal life and dating experiences in an interview with the Daily Mail. Known for her remarkable skills on the golf course and her recent viral moment—when she was seen with a cigarette in her mouth while signing autographs at the U.S. Women’s Open in May—Hull has had her fair share of public attention.
At 28 years old, Hull has experienced both relationships with fellow golfers and those outside the sport. Reflecting on her dating preferences, she admitted, “I’ve dated guys who golf and guys who don’t.” She elaborated on the benefits of dating someone who shares her passion for golf, noting that it creates an easier connection. “It’s definitely easier if they do because that’s my spare-time passion too,” Hull said. However, she also acknowledged the challenges of connecting with someone who doesn’t play golf, which can sometimes lead to difficulties in the relationship.
Hull’s previous marriage to MMA fighter Ozzie Smith, which began in 2019 and ended in divorce just two years later, brought some high-profile aspects into her life. Despite these experiences, Hull has chosen to avoid high-profile relationships moving forward. She shared, “I’ve had a taste of high-profile relationships, but I didn’t love everything that came with it, so I’m steering clear of that for now.”
As a two-time LPGA Tour champion and currently ranked No. 11 in the world, Hull is gearing up for a significant event: the women’s individual golf competition at the Paris Games. Her excitement for the Olympics is palpable, especially after her notable seventh-place finish at the Rio 2016 Games and her absence from the Tokyo 2021 Games, which she described as the “right thing to do at the time” due to the pandemic. “Being able to play in the Olympics is a dream,” Hull expressed, looking forward to the opportunity and the chance to meet new athletes. She also humorously acknowledged the Olympic Village’s reputation as a hub for social interactions, likening it to “The Villa” from the reality dating show “Love Island.”
Given the demanding nature of her golf career—characterized by constant practice and travel—Hull finds it challenging to invest time in relationships. She recently joined the new dating app Rizz, which allows her to receive real-time feedback and advice from friends about her interactions on the platform. “Finding time to meet new people and really get to know them is tough. Anyone I connect with has to be cool with that and able to build a real bond over FaceTime and texts,” Hull explained.
In addition to seeking advice from friends, Hull also turns to her fellow golf professionals for dating tips. Her close friend and compatriot Georgia Hall, with whom she has shared a long history, is one of her trusted sources of advice. Hull and Hall, who have been practicing together since they were 11, will be competing together in Paris. “It’s perfect to get to play with my best mate,” Hull said, highlighting their strong bond. The two have a storied history, including their recent joint effort at the 2024 Dow Championship in June. Both are also members of the victorious European team that has clinched the past three Solheim Cup titles (2019, 2021, 2023).
While Hull won’t be able to indulge in smoking at the Paris Olympic venues due to strict regulations, she remains optimistic. The Olympic Village, known for its vibrant social scene, will host a range of international athletes, including eligible bachelors and golf stars. This environment, combined with her new dating app, provides Hull with a unique opportunity to potentially meet new people and explore relationships amidst her busy and exciting career.
