"I'm just trying to inspire people to play golf”

Golf Monthly meets social media sensation Mia Baker, who is on a mission to get more people into golf... and smiling all the way

- By Mia Baker

There are lots of people, organisations and businesses involved in golf who talk about growing the game and making it accessible to a more diverse audience. In some cases, it seems like it's just a buzz phrase that's bandied around or hijacked to help gain credibility or grow profit. For others, actions speak louder than words. In the drive to get more young women playing golf, arguably no one is doing more than social media star and presenter, Mia Baker.

A few years ago, the 28-year-old from London didn't know the first thing about golf. Then, just like so many people do, she got hooked. Getting bitten by the bug isn't always enough this game is hard. Then there are the various obstacles, especially for young women, which can put you off the sport.

Baker persevered. One of her first experiences of golf may have been underwhelming and rather uninspiring, but now she's right where she wants to be - on a golf course trying to inspire other women to get involved and try the game. We sat down with Mia at her home club, Foxhills in Surrey, to discover how she made the journey from beginner golfer to a star of YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

Has sport always been a big part of your life?

I played hockey and netball at quite a high level, and did athletics. I tore my ACL at university and thought that might've been the end of it all. Then my ex-boyfriend's dad took us to Sotogrande in Spain. I never had an interest in grass my whole life until golf - it was amazing! They took me to the driving range and I hit loads of air shots. It was so difficult, but then I hit a few good shots and it felt amazing.