Grace Charis has quickly become one of the most recognizable figures in the golf world, despite not being a professional golfer. At 22, she has gained more than six million combined followers on Instagram and TikTok. She started playing golf only after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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While she does not have a competitive golf background, Charis has drawn attention for her social media presence and appearance on the course. Some within the sport, including four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, have criticized her for promoting what they call a version of golf centered on entertainment rather than skill.
From rowing to the driving range
Charis began her athletic career in a different sport. She was a broadcasting student and a member of her university's rowing team when the pandemic brought competition to a halt.
"I was in shape, we had a good team, and we were ready to compete, but then everything changed," she told Golf Monthly. "I had to pick up another sport."
She began playing golf and surfing more regularly after encouragement from friends. Her golf content began to attract attention online.
Viral content brings visibility
Charis first went viral with a video of her golf swing while wearing a tight-fitting jumpsuit. The post helped launch her online career as a creator focused on golf-themed content.
"I wasn't trying to be a golfer," she told Golf Monthly. "It was more about trying to get views and be in the creator's space. I let social media dictate what I'm wearing."
She said she noticed certain outfits performed better than others and leaned into what got the most attention.
Criticism from within the sport
Charis has been compared to former pro golfer and model Paige Spiranac, though she has downplayed the similarities.
"I don't know much of her stuff. It doesn't come up on my feed, either," she told the Daily Mail.
McIlroy has been critical of both Charis and Spiranac, referring to them as "entertainment adjacent" and suggesting they take focus away from the competitive side of the game.
Charis responded by saying she believes any exposure to golf can help grow interest in the sport.
"Sometimes people aren't there for the golf game and they're there just because I'm a pretty face or something," she said. "But they're still getting exposed to the game."
Committing to improvement
Though Charis initially gained followers for her viral clips and clothing choices, she has since tried to shift the focus toward her actual play.
She told Golf Monthly that she now plays four to five times a week and works with a coach.
"It's a weird way into the game, but I'm trying to get better," she said. "I'm not seen as a golfer, but I'm edging my way into that by being good at golf and posting videos of great shots."
Plans for apparel brand
Charis also plans to launch her own golf apparel company. She said she hopes to build a brand that reflects her personality and passion for the sport.
"I think pushing or putting out a company that shows something I love about the game and encouraging other people to be part of it is super exciting," she told the Daily Mail.
