Exclusive: Amid LPGA’s Controversial Dress Code, Grace Charis Launches ‘New Brand’ to Revolutionize Women’s Golf Apparel

Back in 2017, the LPGA Tour came up with a bizarre change in the world of women’s golf. They introduced new rules and regulations for women’s clothing, and it created a lot of drama in the community. Years after that, Grace Charis, a prominent social media golf influencer, is here with her new plans for women’s golfing apparel.

In an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, Grace Charis mentioned what she feels about women golf and plans on growing it. “Like, I’ve definitely had a lot of people come up to me like, ‘ I’m into golf because of you,’ and that’s super touching to me. If I had to pick a niche or something, I’d love to grow the game for women- I guess women in golf. It’s really awesome to see that they get to play golf together. So growing it for the girl’s side would be awesome. Yeah, so it’s cool,” she said.

How does she plan on influencing the game for women? Charis talked about it further, revealing, “I started a clothing brand called ‘Dialed golf.’ It will be on pre-sales soon, but I kind of made that so I can wear it in my golf tournaments. You know, something that fits my personality and things I love.” Dialed Golf caters to the modern golfer, offering high-performance apparel infused with the spirit of outdoor adventure. From caps and hoodies to t-shirts and golf socks, they’ve got every essential covered. And the prices start from $12.00.

Back in July 2017, the LPGA announced a lot of changes to its dress code for players. As per the changes, women golfers were prohibited from wearing:

• Racerbacks
• Plunging necklines
• Leggings
• Skirts, skorts, or shorts that don’t cover “your bottom area”
• Workout gear, jeans, and joggers

This not only took many by surprise but also became a topic of controversy. They believed the dress code is unnecessary and condescending, meanwhile, some said the changes were needed to clarify the existing dress code. One of the most prominent voices to talk about was Paige Spiranac. She expressed her thoughts back in 2022, saying, “If professionalism in golf equals athleticism, then athleticism should be promoted and showcased, and that means allowing the clothes that promote it. By labelling women as looking ‘unprofessional’ when showing cleavage or shorts worn under a skirt, the LPGA is perpetrating the outdated stereotypes about the connection between what a woman wears and her morals.” 

That’s not all, there were fines as well. Talking about it, LPGA player president Vicki Goetze-Ackerman also revealed that there will be a $1,000 fine for the first offense, with fines doubling for each subsequent breach. However, the drama didn’t end here, as the LPGA tour was later accused of this bizarre move as well.

LPGA accused of ‘sl-t-shaming’ over women’s golf dress code

As per the LPGA Tour’s communications and tour operations officer Heather Daly-Donofrio the dress code was introduced for players to “to present themselves in a professional manner to reflect a positive image for the game.” Instead it fueled the fire even more with Teen Vogue criticizing the LPGA’s stance, accusing it of “sl-t-shaming” its female athletes. A spokesperson for the Golf Channel believed that the tour should focus on the performances of golfers instead of the appearances, saying, “We should always focus on the talent and athleticism of our female sport stars as opposed to their appearance.”

Former European Tour Professional Matt Blackey also talked about it on his X handle. He said, “I’m not sure a stricter dress code will help golf’s appeal, but I do wish Tour pros would use more four-letter words, especially ‘FORE”!”  Meanwhile, 11-time LPGA winner Stacy Lewis said otherwise. “I honestly have been shocked by the response to it. You look at other sports, the NFL, the NBA, they have a dress code when they’re playing … You guys with your jobs, you probably have a dress code, as well. I honestly don’t understand the kick-back,” she said at the Marathon Classic.

Could the backlash have inspired Grace Charis to start her own fashion line? Only she knows the answer. What do you think about this move? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!