SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France (AP) — Charley Hull of Britain might not be going viral at the Olympics. There's no smoking inside the ropes at Le Golf National.
Hull made quite the sensation this year at the U.S. Women's Open with a social media post of her signing autographs with a cigarette dangling between her lips.
“I do smoke on the course,” Hull said Tuesday. “It's a habit, but I won't do it this week. I don't think you're allowed.”
The Paris 2024 health and safety guidelines indicate that smoking is not allowed at any venues except in designated areas. That would not include inside the ropes for the 60-player field in the women's competition that starts Wednesday.
That was greeted by a shrug from Hull, a free-wheeling 28-year-old from England. But there was a small measure of concern. She was asked if not smoking — she says she lights up on the course when she's feeling stressed — will affect her.
“I think it will,” Hull said. “Because it relaxes me a little bit. But it is what it is.”
Hull is playing in her second Olympics. She finished two shots out of a chance at the bronze medal in the Tokyo Games. Hull played in her first Solheim Cup at age 17. She has five wins on the LPGA and Ladies European Tour and has been runner-up three times in the majors.
But that one moment at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania made her more famous than nearly everything she has done on the golf course.
Hull said she was walking to the range, smoking a cigarette, and her hands were full when someone asked her for an autograph.
“I always like signing autographs,” she said at the Women's Open. “Had a cigarette in my mouth, signed it, and then it's gone viral.”
She hasn't checked reaction to that moment because Hull got off Instagram and other social media about four months ago.
Smoking and golf have a history — Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, even Jack Nicklaus until he saw a photo of him smoking in the early 1960s and never smoked again on the course. It's more rare these days on tour, though a few players — Hull included — still light up.
Just not this week.
AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
FILE - Charley Hull, of England, watches her shot after hitting from the fourth tee during the final round of the Women's PGA Championship golf tournament at Sahalee Country Club, Sunday, June 23, 2024, in Sammamish, Wash. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 2025--
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today released its 2025 Annual Impact Report, highlighting a year of progress made possible by the dedication of its donors, volunteers and partners.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250513335744/en/
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. and is the most common cancer among women worldwide. What’s more, it’s estimated that more than 168,000 people in the U.S. are living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as stage 4, the most advanced and incurable stage of breast cancer. This year alone, nearly 43,000 people in the U.S. are expected to die from breast cancer — with MBC responsible for most of these deaths.
Komen’s impact report highlights the critical progress made in the fight against breast cancer made possible by the passionate dedication of its donors, volunteers and partners — and the hope for a brighter future driven by its nationwide community. Komen believes that to save lives, the community must focus on conquering aggressive and metastatic breast cancers and eliminating barriers to care to achieve health equity.
To achieve the organization’s goals, to date, Komen has invested nearly $2.5 billion in advocacy, community programs, education and patient support services, ensuring people are educated about the complexities of risk, screening, diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer and have access to the care they need. Komen has also invested nearly $1.1 billion in research making it the largest nonprofit contributor to the cause, second only to the U.S. government. This investment has led to new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat breast cancer.
“Susan G. Komen’s impact is woven into nearly every major breakthrough and patient-centered policy in the history of breast cancer, but we could never have come this far without the support of our community,” said Paula Schneider, Komen president and CEO. “Our donors, volunteers, partners and fundraisers are the heart of our history and frankly, our future. Many come to Komen because they’ve been personally touched by this disease — and, as a breast cancer survivor, myself included. There is power in pain and hope alike, and the progress we’ve made is a testament to those who’ve turned their experience and grief into action.”
Key Highlights from Komen’s 2025 impact report include:
With proposed federal budget cuts for Fiscal Year 2026 threatening to erode decades of progress in the fight against breast cancer, continued funding especially for early detection programs, safety net care services and research has never been more critical. If these cuts proceed, Susan G. Komen will continue to stand as the leading breast cancer organization in the nation — but without sustained government support, lifesaving breakthroughs may be delayed, early detection efforts will be reduced, and patients will be left behind with poor outcomes to follow.
As Komen continues to lead the charge against breast cancer, the 2025 Impact Report serves as both a reflection of what’s been achieved and a call to action for what still needs to be accomplished. Every advancement — whether in research, patient care, education or policy — is fueled by the commitment of those who stand with Komen.
“With continued support, we can build on these incredible milestones to ensure everyone affected by this disease has access to the high-quality care, resources and support they need to survive and thrive after breast cancer,” added Schneider. “The fight is far from over — but together, we will finish it.”
Read the full report online.
About Susan G. Komen ®
Susan G. Komen ® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.
Progress Highlights from Susan G. Komen’s® 2025 Impact Report
