Charley Hull's Vaping Habit Costs Her Olympic Spot

Charley Hull's hopes for Olympic success faced a significant setback following her opening round of 81 at a recent tournament, a performance she attributed to a bizarre injury rather than the newly enforced smoking ban. Despite being seen vaping, Hull insisted that her struggles on the course stemmed from a physical ailment that required an MRI, rather than any distractions off the course. Last year, she finished second in the same tournament and had a strong season with six top-three finishes, including a notable second place at the Women’s Open. The injury, which Hull described as a result of a shower taken before her flight, has raised questions about her preparation and fitness. She attempted to compete at Centurion shortly after but withdrew after just six holes. Hull noted the intensity of her practice schedule leading up to the event, having played ten rounds in six days, which may have contributed to her current condition. The atmosphere at the tournament was subdued, with a small crowd present, which Hull acknowledged impacted her performance. She expressed frustration at not being able to capitalize on the course's scoring opportunities, stating that her shots often landed in unfavorable positions. While Hull struggled, fellow competitor Boutier captivated the audience with an impressive eight-birdie performance, highlighting the disparity in form among the tournament's top players. Organizers hope for a more vibrant atmosphere as the competition progresses, reminiscent of the excitement seen in men's events.