In the sun-drenched fairways of modern golf, where tradition meets TikTok trends, few figures have captured attention quite like Grace Charis. At just 22 years old, this Australian-born amateur golfer has transformed from a pandemic-era hobbyist into a social media sensation with over six million combined followers on Instagram and TikTok. Her content—mixing slow-motion swing videos, cheeky outfits, and genuine passion for the game—has not only popularized golf among younger audiences but also sparked debates about where entertainment ends and sport begins. But beyond the viral clips, Charis's journey intersects with golf's biggest names, from friendly rivalries to pointed criticisms, shaping her unique place in the sport's evolving landscape.
From Rowing Dreams to Golf Stardom
Grace Charis's path to the greens was anything but straightforward. Raised in Newcastle, Australia, she initially pursued a career in rowing, training rigorously for professional competitions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic derailed her plans, leaving her in search of a new outlet for her competitive spirit. Enter golf: Introduced by a best friend during lockdown, Charis picked up clubs with zero prior experience. What started as casual range sessions quickly evolved into an obsession. "I became instantly infatuated," she later shared, crediting the sport's blend of precision and mental challenge for hooking her.
By her early 20s, Charis had traded oars for irons, posting her first golf videos on social media. The response was electric—her glamorous style and relatable enthusiasm resonated, propelling her follower count into the millions. Today, with 3.5 million on Instagram alone, she ranks among the top golf influencers, often drawing comparisons to pioneers like Paige Spiranac. In April 2024, she launched Dialed Golf, her own apparel line that fuses "personality meets performance," targeting dream-chasers without traditional golf pedigrees.
Her competitive debut came in June 2025 at the Ladies European Tour's Tenerife Women's Open, where she teed off as an amateur against the world's elite. Finishing 26-over and at the bottom of the leaderboard, Charis viewed it not as a setback but a masterclass. "Competing against top women's golfers helped me identify areas to grow," she reflected, already eyeing future tournaments. Despite her amateur status and a handicap around +5—solid but far from pro-level—Charis's real game is off the course, where she's credited with drawing newcomers to golf, even if some arrive for the aesthetics first.
Navigating Rivalries and Respect in the Influencer Arena
Charis's rise hasn't been without friction, particularly with fellow golf influencer Paige Spiranac, the self-proclaimed "Sexiest Woman Alive" and a fixture in the sport's digital space with over four million followers. As Charis closed the gap—now trailing by just 400,000 followers—the internet buzzed with "rivalry" talk, fueled by their shared formula of golf tips wrapped in glamour. Spiranac, a former pro with a +3.4 handicap, has posed in the Masters green jacket and landed cameos in films like Happy Gilmore 2, while Charis went viral with her first hole-in-one video in June 2024.
Yet, Charis downplays any bad blood. In a candid interview, she admitted, "I get compared to her a lot, but I don’t know much of her stuff. It doesn’t come up on my feed, either. So I don’t know too much about what she does, but she seems nice." She praised Spiranac's skills and promotional efforts, adding, "She seems like she’s a good golfer, too. I think that’s good for everybody, to be good at the sport and promote the sport. It’s kind of the goal." For Charis, the overlap is symbiotic: Both women face scrutiny for their outfits and attitudes, but they agree it's expanding golf's appeal. Spiranac has defended her "fun" approach against "stuffy" critics, a sentiment Charis echoes by noting that even "pretty face" viewers get exposed to the game.
Clashes with the Pros: From McIlroy's Shade to Tiger's Potential Bag
Charis's interactions extend beyond influencers to golf's old guard, often with a mix of admiration and provocation. In April 2025, Rory McIlroy, the four-time major winner, lumped her and Spiranac into the "entertainment adjacent" category, arguing they distract from the "real game." The comment stung but didn't deter Charis, who has since leaned into coaching content over pure spectacle, aiming to prove her bona fides on the course.
On a lighter note, Charis has flirted with pro icons through playful outreach. In 2023, ahead of the Masters, she publicly offered to caddie for Tiger Woods at Augusta National, tweeting a photo of herself in caddie gear with the caption, "Tiger, let me carry your bag." Woods, competing in his 25th Masters that year, didn't respond—but the stunt amplified her visibility. More recently, in a 2025 interview, Charis revealed her dream collaboration: a golf video with Snoop Dogg, blending hip-hop flair with fairway fun.
Collaborations and Camaraderie on the Course
Away from the headlines, Charis fosters genuine connections through collaborations that highlight golf's social side. In 2023, she teamed up with fellow influencers Corinna Kopf and YouTuber GM Golf (Grant Horvat, a former pro turned content creator) for a high-stakes match play challenge, blending competition with on-course banter. Videos from the event showcase her laughing through mishits and celebrating birdies, underscoring her emphasis on enjoyment over perfection.
She frequently shares clips of rounds with friends—non-pros who embody the "golf with buddies" vibe—promoting themes of friendship and growth. These casual outings contrast her high-profile debut, reminding followers that golf, at its core, is about shared moments. As she told Golf Monthly, "Even though it is kind of sexualised, I’m getting a lot of people to come into the game." Through TikTok collabs and live streams, Charis builds a community that feels accessible, drawing in amateurs who see her as a peer rather than a distant star.
The Future Fairway: Charis's Lasting Impact
Grace Charis embodies golf's digital renaissance—a sport once gated by country clubs now thriving on inclusive, influencer-driven narratives. Her relationships, from respectful nods to Spiranac to cheeky bids for Woods's attention, reveal a young athlete unafraid to challenge norms while honoring the game's roots. As she shifts toward more instructional content and deeper tournament play, Charis isn't just chasing likes; she's chasing pars, birdies, and a seat at golf's bigger table.
Critics like McIlroy may scoff, but Charis's unapologetic blend of glamour and grit is rewriting who gets to swing a club—and why. In a sport hungry for fresh faces, she's not just playing the game; she's redefining it. Whether caddying for legends or rivaling influencers, one thing's clear: Grace Charis is dialed in for the long game.
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