Got a light?

Charley Hull borrows lighter from fan at Solheim Cup, is fitting in just fine in Virginia

September 12, 2024
2170717749

Icon Sportswire

Team Europe is behind enemy lines this week at the Solheim Cup. They're not just on American soil, but Virginia—the original colony, the place where Americans first flipped the bird to our friends across the pond. On Thursday, however, Charley Hull did her best win over the hostile gallery, borrowing a lighter from a fan in order to light up one of her trademark mid-round heaters. Check it out.

Well, we know she’s converted at least one Yank at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club this week. The card-carrying Brit has become known for the billowing plume that follows her around the golf course, winning over a host of fans who identify with her rebel attitude within golf’s buttoned-up world. Hull is clearly aware of her reputation and is using it to her advantage as the Euros vie for a fourth straight Solheim Cup victory.

Now time for the buzzkill: Smoking is bad for you. It’s bad for people around you. We’re not glorifying Hull’s behavior, but we get why many find it, ironically enough, to be a breath fresh air. So take it or leave it, but remember this ain’t France. If Hull didn’t fire up a couple darts in the heart of Marlboro country, something would be very, very wrong.