New year, new nickname for Charley Hull as she begins title defense

2 min read
New year, new nickname for Charley Hull as she begins title defense

New year, new nickname for Charley Hull as she begins title defense

Charley Hull begins her title defense as the No. 6 ranked LPGA player. She's confident given her familiarity with courses in Greater Cincinnati.

New year, new nickname for Charley Hull as she begins title defense

Charley Hull begins her title defense as the No. 6 ranked LPGA player. She's confident given her familiarity with courses in Greater Cincinnati.

Charley Hull is back in Cincinnati, and she's ready to defend her title at the Kroger Queen City Championship—this time with a fresh nickname and a familiar confidence.

Ranked No. 6 in the world, the 29-year-old English star returns to the course where she captured her first win in three years last season, a victory that sparked one of the strongest runs of her career. The tournament has moved to Maketewah Country Club, a course known for having the most single-digit handicap members in Ohio. For Hull, the change in scenery is no problem—she thrives on challenge.

Last year, Hull dominated at TPC River's Bend, finishing at 20-under par with rounds of 68, 65, 67, and 68. That win ended a three-year drought and jumpstarted a powerful close to her season: four straight top-20 finishes, including two in the top five. She went on to earn $2 million in 2025, making 14 cuts in 16 events.

Now, in the 2026 season, Hull has already posted top-20 finishes in four of six tournaments. But it's not just her game that's turning heads—it's her personality.

Hull became a viral sensation during the U.S. Women's Open after being spotted smoking a cigarette on the course, earning the playful nickname "Smokin' Charley Hull." But after a bet with fellow pro Ryan Evans—£10,000 if she didn't quit—she's traded cigarettes for nicotine pouches. That led to a new moniker: "Lippin' Charley Hull."

When asked about the change, Hull laughed. "Yeah, I quite like that. Better than lipping out. I don't want to be lipping out on putts."

Whether she's known for her clutch putting or her off-course charm, one thing is clear: Charley Hull is playing with confidence, and she's looking to make this new course feel like home.

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