Staff WriterCharissa Thompson has spent years making the biggest stages in sport look calm, controlled, and occasionally hilarious—so it’s only fitting she’s now stepping into golf with a mission to make the game feel the same way. XXIO®, the premium lightweight equipment specialist, has named the television host and broadcaster as its newest ambassador, with Thompson set to power upcoming campaigns including the all-new XXIO 14 Ladies product line.
For a brand built on “effortless performance,” it’s a tidy match: a voice that feels familiar, a message that’s welcoming, and clubs designed to help golfers swing freely rather than wrestle the clubhead like it owes them money.
I’m excited to be able to partner with a brand that makes golf feel more approachable and enjoyable for women. XXIO clubs have this effortless performance about them that give golfers like me the confidence I need from the first swing. That’s something I’m excited to share with my community and especially women who are looking for clubs that make the game easier and more fun.
Charissa Thompson, XXIO Brand Ambassador
A broadcaster with range—now aiming it at the fairways
A seasoned broadcaster and one of the most recognizable female voices in sports media, Thompson has spent nearly two decades covering college football, basketball, and the NFL’s biggest moments. After graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2004, she began her career with on-air roles at the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports Net, sharpening her craft as a sideline reporter and studio host.
In 2010 she joined ESPN, appearing on several flagship programs, before returning to Fox Sports in 2013—where she’s remained a consistent presence across the network’s coverage. In 2022, Thompson became part of the NFL’s expansion into streaming services by hosting Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video, working alongside four former NFL players.
And if that wasn’t enough airtime, she also co-hosts the podcast Calm Down with Erin and Charissa, which promises an unfiltered, entertaining look at sports, pop culture, and personal life. With a combined social media following topping one million, Charissa Thompson arrives at XXIO with both megaphone and momentum.
“Play Easy”: XXIO’s campaign built for the modern female golfer
This partnership is set to come to life through XXIO’s main digital campaign, “Play Easy,” designed specifically for women golfers. The idea is less about turning golf into something it isn’t, and more about reframing it as a confident, connected lifestyle—sophisticated, yes, but approachable, too.
XXIO describes Play Easy as a celebration of women finding their rhythm, joy, and place in the game, supported by equipment engineered to work naturally with their swing. It’s the sort of concept that understands a key truth: a better round starts before the first tee shot, usually with the feeling that you actually belong there.
As a leading voice within the campaign, Charissa Thompson will help welcome more women into golf, showcasing how XXIO blends lightweight design, modern looks, and a supportive community to make every round feel “easy, memorable, and uniquely theirs.”
Why XXIO picked Charissa Thompson for its biggest Ladies push
XXIO is calling this its most expansive Ladies lineup ever, and the brand believes Thompson’s presence will help translate the product message into something women golfers can actually see themselves in—confidence, inclusivity, and enjoyment, without the usual “shrink it and pink it” nonsense.
Charissa brings an energy and authenticity that resonates with women both on and off the course, which makes her the perfect partner as we introduce our most expansive XXIO Ladies lineup ever. She embodies the positivity, inclusivity, and confidence we want women to feel in their game and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.
Noelle Zavaleta, XXIO Media & Communications Director
What this means for XXIO 14 Ladies—and for women who want golf to feel friendlier
The XXIO 14 Ladies line sits right at the centre of this announcement, and the promise is straightforward: premium lightweight clubs built to help golfers create speed and strike without feeling like they need a personal trainer for their backswing.
And the bigger story is the invitation. By putting Charissa Thompson at the front of Play Easy, XXIO is betting that more women will give golf a proper go when the equipment (and the messaging) stops acting like it’s designed for someone else.
Where to follow XXIO and see the new campaign
To see upcoming content with Thompson, XXIO says to follow the brand across social channels, and to learn more about the XXIO 14 Ladies line, visit us.dunlopsports.com/xxio.
XXIO Social Channels:
- Instagram: @xxiogolf
- X: @Official_XXIO
- Facebook: @OfficialXXIO
