Grace Charis, the 22-year-old golf influencer and entrepreneur, has swung her way into the hearts of millions with her blend of athletic prowess, modeling flair, and unapologetic confidence. Born Grace Charis Smith on November 21, 2002, in the sun-drenched coastal haven of Newport Beach, California, she embodies the golden state’s spirit of ambition and leisure. While her TikTok and Instagram feeds brim with swing tutorials, beachside lifestyle snaps, and empowering content that has amassed over 3 million followers, it’s her grounded family roots that provide the steady foundation for her meteoric rise. In a world where influencers often seem larger-than-life, Grace’s story highlights the pivotal role her family—particularly her supportive mother—has played in nurturing her dreams.
#### Roots in Newport Beach: A Family Built on Encouragement
Grace grew up in a close-knit, privacy-loving family in Newport Beach, a picturesque Orange County enclave known for its affluent vibe and proximity to world-class golf courses. Her parents, Cassandra Smith and Robert Smith, have remained largely out of the spotlight, embodying a low-key approach that contrasts with their daughter’s vibrant online persona. Cassandra and Robert, both American natives, fostered an environment where creativity and sports were celebrated without the pressure of public scrutiny. Grace has often credited this supportive dynamic for allowing her to explore her passions freely, from early artistic endeavors to her eventual love affair with golf. The family’s emphasis on privacy is evident; while Grace occasionally shares nostalgic beach photos or family vacation glimpses, she shields their personal details, ensuring their lives remain a private sanctuary amid her public journey.
Adding to the familial warmth is Grace’s younger brother, Ryan Smith, with whom she shares an unbreakable bond. Ryan, described by Grace as her built-in confidant and adventure partner, has been a constant in her life, joining her for casual rounds of golf and offering comic relief during her high-stakes content creation sessions. Their sibling dynamic mirrors the playful rivalry often seen in athletic families—teasing over missed putts one moment, cheering each other’s wins the next. Though Ryan stays off social media, Grace’s subtle shoutouts, like tagging him in throwback sibling selfies, reveal a relationship rooted in mutual respect and shared California roots. Together, the Smiths form a tight unit that has weathered Grace’s transition from local teen golfer to global influencer, providing the emotional anchor she needs in an industry rife with fleeting fame.
#### The Maternal Muse: Cassandra’s Influence on Grace’s Golf Odyssey
At the heart of Grace’s family story is her mother, Cassandra Smith, whose quiet strength and forward-thinking encouragement have profoundly shaped her daughter’s path. Cassandra, a figure of grace and resilience, played a starring role in igniting Grace’s passion for golf—a sport that would become the cornerstone of her career. In a candid interview with The US Sun, Grace revealed that it was her mom’s pivotal nudge during her college years that transformed a casual interest into a lifelong pursuit. “My mom encouraged me to pick up a club,” Grace shared, recounting how Cassandra saw potential in her daughter’s athletic build and competitive spirit, even when Grace herself was hesitant. This maternal intuition wasn’t just a one-off; Cassandra’s ongoing support extended to Grace’s bold foray into social media, where she blended golf tips with modeling to shatter stereotypes about women in the sport.
Cassandra’s influence goes beyond the greens. As a nurturing force in the Smith household, she instilled values of self-assurance and hard work, qualities that shine through in Grace’s content. While details about Cassandra’s professional life remain private—true to the family’s ethos—Grace has hinted at her mom’s role as the family’s emotional compass, offering sage advice on everything from swing mechanics to handling online trolls. This bond is especially poignant given Grace’s time abroad; during her teenage years, she spent formative time in Singapore, attending Raffles Girls’ School and later pursuing a Business Management degree at Singapore Management University. Far from home, Cassandra’s letters, calls, and visits became lifelines, reinforcing the idea that family is the ultimate caddy in life’s tournaments.
Grace’s international stint also deepened her appreciation for her mother’s grounded perspective. Returning to Newport Beach with a global outlook, she channeled Cassandra’s lessons into her brand, launching ventures like OnlyFans collaborations and partnerships with golf giants such as Callaway and Adidas. Today, at 22, Grace’s estimated net worth hovers around $1 million, a testament not just to her hustle but to the foundational support from her family.
#### From Family Lessons to Fairway Fame
Grace Charis’s ascent—from a 7-year-old swinging clubs in California backyards to a TikTok sensation with millions of views—is inseparable from her family’s unwavering backing. Her mother Cassandra emerges as the unsung hero, the one who spotted sparks of talent and fanned them into flames, while Robert and Ryan provide the steady rhythm of normalcy. In an era of curated perfection, Grace’s authenticity—rooted in these familial ties—sets her apart. She doesn’t just play golf; she honors the legacy of encouragement passed down, turning personal swings into a movement that empowers young women to claim the course.
As Grace continues to evolve, dropping major announcements like her 2024 Ryder Cup appearances and expanding her entrepreneurial empire, one thing remains clear: her family’s quiet influence is the true hole-in-one. In Grace Charis, we see not just an influencer, but a daughter carrying her mother’s grace into every drive.
