Charley Hull gets approval to smoke at Solheim Cup ahead of Nelly Korda showdown

 

 

Charley Hull’s High-Stakes Role in Solheim Cup as Europe Eyes History

In a dramatic and high-stakes Solheim Cup, Charley Hull has been given the green light by her captain to smoke on course during Friday’s opening session and tasked with a monumental challenge: defeating world No. 1 Nelly Korda in what promises to be an electrifying start to the tournament. This decision underlines Hull’s unique position within the European team, blending her star power with an unconventional edge.

 

Hull, currently ranked No. 12 in the world, will be the one to strike the first shot in the foursomes. Her selection might raise eyebrows given her commanding presence since she made her debut as a 17-year-old in Denver over a decade ago. At that event, Europe secured its first win on U.S. soil, and since then, Hull has become a central figure for the team. Her charisma and stature, coupled with her global recognition, make her a natural leader to spearhead Europe’s charge.

 

European captain Suzann Pettersen, known for her strategic acumen, expressed enthusiasm about Hull’s role. “It’s great to have Charley out there early,” Pettersen remarked with a smile. “She doesn’t like to sit around and wait. She’s interacted well with the home fans here, which is fantastic.”

 

Although traditionalists might disapprove of Hull’s smoking habit, which has become part of her persona, the galleries clearly appreciate her authenticity. During a final practice session on Thursday, Hull was seen engaging with a U.S. supporter, an act that highlights her amiable nature and approachability.

 

In June, videos of Hull smoking at the U.S. Women’s Open went viral, leading to a ban on the habit at last month’s Olympics. However, Pettersen, showing a supportive stance, has allowed Hull to continue her practice at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, located 40 minutes from Capitol Hill. “Laughing when it was suggested that she might need her own lighter, Pettersen shrugged off concerns about optics, stating, ‘She’s having a ball. And Charley’s old enough to make those decisions.’”

 

Hull’s performance is crucial for Europe’s ambitions. The team faces formidable opponents in Korda and Allisen Corpuz. Korda, who has dominated the 2024 season with a string of victories including the Chevron Championship, has yet to win a Solheim Cup, despite her impressive resume. The absence of a Solheim Cup title is a notable gap in her career achievements.

 

The Solheim Cup has seen Europe retaining the trophy for the last three tournaments, a historic streak that the current European team aims to extend. The event is in its 35th year, and while the Ryder Cup and other transatlantic contests have longer histories, Europe’s continued success in the Solheim Cup could be a significant achievement.

 

The European team, despite some individual struggles this season, remains hopeful. Hull’s role in the opening foursomes at 7:05 a.m. local time is pivotal. “I’m just myself,” Hull said, dismissing concerns about her smoking habit. “If I like things, I like them for myself. If other people don’t like it, it’s not their life. I live my life the way I want to.”

 

Hull, alongside German rookie Esther Henseleit, faces a tough match against Korda and Corpuz. While Henseleit has impressed in her rookie season, Corpuz, who won the U.S. Women’s Open last year, represents a significant challenge. Hull’s potential for redemption is palpable, given her past encounter with Corpuz at Pebble Beach.

 

Historical context adds to the drama. In recent years, Europe has faced fierce competition from the U.S., which has a long tradition of success in the Walker Cup, Ryder Cup, and Curtis Cup. Despite their historical success, the U.S. has yet to surpass Europe’s recent dominance in the Solheim Cup. The Americans, having narrowly lost the last three Solheim Cups, are eager to break their streak of near misses.

 

U.S. captain Stacy Lewis acknowledges the psychological barriers her team must overcome. “Our biggest challenge is that the majority of this group hasn’t gotten over the hump,” she admitted. “We’ve been close in the last three matches, and it would mean a tremendous amount to get over the line this week. But we’ve got a lot of work to do before we reach that point.”

 

As the tournament progresses, Hull and Henseleit’s performance will be under intense scrutiny. Despite the challenges, Hull remains undaunted, ready to embrace the vibrant atmosphere of the Solheim Cup and play her part in what could be a historic campaign for Europe.