January 23, 2025

Charley Hull’s ‘no-smartphone’ approach

The IX: Golf Thursday with Marin Dremock, Jan. 23, 2025

Charley Hull stands to the right of Georgia Hall. Their backs face the camera as they discuss a shot during the Solheim Cup.

Charley Hull and Georgia Hall of Team Europe stand together on the 11th green during Foursomes matches against Team USA during the second round of the Solheim Cup 2024 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. Hull, who is active on social media, has said society should go old-school again. (Photo Credit: Aaron Doster | Imagn Images)

Charley Hull really has a knack for going viral on social media. This time, it was in response to the TikTok ban.

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Hull addressed her Instagram followers before the TikTok ban was in effect, saying that we should “go back to a Nokia phone and live life in the moment.” Ban one, ban them all.

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A post shared by Charley Hull (@charley.hull)

She’s got a point.

Social media has given us so many gifts: opportunities to interact with people we wouldn’t otherwise connect with, outlets to explore our creativity and so much more. But the constant connection, fear of missing out and pressure to live up to certain ideals have hindered our ability to, like Hull said, be truly present.

While Hull’s response is extreme, it comes from a place of genuine frustration. In the past, she’s been vocal about fake accounts pretending to be her, targeting her fans and often scamming them. Hull is no stranger to the rottenness of social media.

Let’s take a step back, though. Why is our response to something conflicting always either “just use it” or “get rid of it?” My key: moderation and accountability.

I’d like to attend an LPGA tournament and not even catch a glimpse of a smartphone. But I’d also like to see TikTok and other social media creators move their innovative content to another platform. I’d like to see less “look like me” and “buy what I buy” attitudes. I’d like to see more inclusive conversations rather than hateful comments. A lesson can be learned in flexibility and reality; as trends are fleeting, so are the platforms they’re spread on.

As any tool, social media can be used ethically and responsibly or abused to the point of manipulation or addiction. Producers and consumers both have this societal duty to uphold.

Hull closed her comments with this: “Guarantee the world would be a happier and healthier place.”

I’m sure it would. But with so many folks already in its clutches, social media isn’t going away. That’s why it’s up to us to be balanced, responsible individuals who can have fun, be creative and still know the limits of these platforms.

Golf has grown because of social media. More people are able to follow their favorite golfers, and more golfers have gotten more recognition. Viral social media moments — however random or absurd (like Hull’s cigarette rip or the shirtless Solheim Cup caddies) — bring more stakeholders to the table.

Haley Bookholdt and other golf influencers have spurred so many women to pursue golf through their inclusive attitudes, beginner guides and focuses on lifestyle and self-confidence.