“IT’S A PRACTICE THAT MUST BE ELIMINATED” – Nelly Korda strongly DEMANDED that the USGA implement a NO-SMOKING rule on golf courses, even calling for Charley Hull to be disqualified after she repeatedly smoked throughout the tournament, annoying other golfers and angering the global golf community.
The golfing world has been rocked by an unexpected controversy, not about a swing, a putt, or a ruling, but about a pack of cigarettes. Nelly Korda, the current World No. 1, has ignited a firestorm by publicly demanding that the USGA ban smoking on golf courses after her rival, Charley Hull, lit up repeatedly during a recent high-profile tournament.
Korda’s comments came immediately after finishing her round, and her tone left no room for misinterpretation. “It’s a practice that must be eliminated,” she said bluntly, before criticizing Hull’s behavior as “disrespectful to the game, to the players, and to the fans.” The American star went so far as to call for Hull’s disqualification, a statement that sent shockwaves through both the locker room and social media.
Hull, who has been known to smoke casually during events, appeared unfazed on the course, but her actions sparked frustration among her fellow competitors. According to multiple reports, players complained that the smell and constant interruptions were distracting, especially in high-pressure situations where concentration is key. Spectators also voiced their disapproval, with many sharing images and videos online, tagging the USGA and demanding immediate action.
For Korda, the issue goes beyond personal annoyance. She emphasized the image of the sport and the influence professional golfers have on young fans. “Golf is growing globally, and kids watch us,” she said. “We can’t normalize smoking on the fairways. It’s not about one player—it’s about the message we send.”
The USGA has yet to issue an official response, but insiders say the governing body is under mounting pressure to address the situation. While many sports have strict no-smoking policies within competition arenas, golf has remained an outlier, allowing players to smoke outdoors as long as they comply with local regulations. Korda’s fiery demand, however, may be the catalyst for change.
The reaction online has been explosive. Supporters of Korda flooded Twitter and Instagram with praise, applauding her leadership and courage to speak out. “Nelly is protecting the integrity of the game,” one fan wrote. “She’s absolutely right—smoking has no place in professional golf.” Others, however, defended Hull, arguing that as long as smoking is technically permitted, she hasn’t broken any rules. The debate quickly spiraled into one of the most talked-about topics in golf this week.
Hull herself has yet to issue a detailed response, though close associates suggest she feels unfairly targeted. Still, the pressure on her is undeniable. With the controversy spreading worldwide, even sponsors and tournament organizers may soon weigh in, making this far more than a personal dispute between two players.
As the smoke clears—literally and figuratively—the golfing world finds itself at a crossroads. Will the USGA introduce a ban, aligning with Korda’s demand and setting a new standard for professionalism on the course? Or will the tradition of individual freedom in golf prevail, even if it means further clashes between its biggest stars?
One thing is certain: Nelly Korda’s powerful stance has ensured this debate won’t fade quietly. With her words echoing across the sport, the future of smoking in golf may be decided sooner than anyone expected.
