Tiger Woods still vividly recalls the roars that followed his iconic chip-in on the 16th hole at Augusta in 2005. The ball paused dramatically at the lip before dropping in, creating a moment etched forever in Masters lore. Rory McIlroy remembers the devastation of his 2011 Masters collapse, where his promising lead evaporated with a fateful triple-bogey on the 10th hole. Yet sometimes, the most treasured golf memories have nothing to do with swinging a club at all. Perhaps it’s a stunning rainbow arching over the 18th green or a deer family crossing the fairway at dawn. Such was the case when golf social media sensation Grace Charis experienced something truly astronomical during her visit to Augusta.
In an exclusive conversation with EssentiallySports, Charis pulled back the curtain on this unique golf memory that transcended the sport itself. “At the Masters last year, I went that entire week, and that was like the same time as that eclipse,” she revealed, referring to the rare solar eclipse that captivated millions across America on April 8, 2024.
The 2024 Masters coincided with a significant astronomical event that hadn’t affected the tournament in 84 years. Augusta National experienced approximately 76.1% coverage during this partial solar eclipse. The previous eclipse affecting the prestigious event occurred way back in 1940, when Jimmy Demaret claimed victory under similarly darkened skies. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for the California native.
Charis found herself in an ideal location when the celestial event began unfolding. “I was like on hole number two at the very bottom of it, close to the green and the eclipse happened,” she explained. The 22-year-old influencer, known for her golf content that has amassed millions of followers, was about to witness something few golf fans will ever experience at Augusta National.
The moment clearly left a lasting impression on the golf content creator. “It went completely dark. We had the glasses on and liked looking at the sun,” she recalled with evident excitement. Charis wasn’t just watching any eclipse—she was experiencing it at one of golf’s most revered venues during Masters week, a double rarity.
Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 11, 2024 General view during the first round REUTERS/Mike Segar
This intersection of astronomy and golf created a memory that stands above others for Charis. “So I was like, I have a photo of me like looking at the sun with the eclipse glasses, and it was like so cool,” she added. The influencer didn’t hesitate to declare this as her most treasured golf memory.
Her enthusiasm was palpable as she reflected on the rarity of such an experience. “That’s got to be my best memory. I mean, when do you see an eclipse anywhere, first of all? But then Augusta National is like crazy to me,” Charis shared with EssentiallySports.
ANGC made special arrangements last year to make the eclipse even more special for everyone present there.
Eclipse of the 2024 Masters was beautifully managed
Augusta National made special preparations for this rare phenomenon. The club distributed special Masters-themed eclipse glasses to players, patrons, and media. These protective eyewear pieces quickly became collectible souvenirs for everyone in attendance, including Charis, who proudly captured her moment with them.
The timing created a perfect storm of exclusivity. Only those fortunate enough to be at Augusta during practice rounds witnessed this convergence of golf and astronomy. The partial eclipse began around 1:50 p.m. EST and reached maximum coverage at 3:08 p.m. EST, creating an otherworldly atmosphere across the perfectly manicured grounds.
Augusta’s famous Amen Corner provided the optimal viewing location for this celestial show. Many players paused their practice sessions to experience the event. Golfer Will Zalatoris even kept his Masters-themed eclipse glasses as a lifelong memento, understanding the unique significance of the moment.
Golf offers these unexpected treasures beyond the competition itself. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences happen when we least expect them. What unusual or unexpected moments have you experienced at a golf course? Those unique stories often become our most cherished memories of the game.
The post Exclusive: Golf Influencer Grace Charis Lifts Curtain on ‘Crazy’ Masters Experience: ‘Went Completely Dark’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.