Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass: What is it, who is involved ahead of The Players and how good are the golfers? | Golf News

In an era where social media influencers are more prominent than ever, golfers – of all levels and abilities – are continually looking for ways to improve their game.

A new wave of YouTubers currently bridges that gap between amateur and professional golf, but how Excellent are these influencer golfers and could they ever mix with it with professionals on the PGA Tour?

The PGA Tour has tapped into that market by launching the Creator Classic Series, a season-long set of events featuring fan-favourite YouTube golfers and some of the sport’s biggest content creators.

We take a closer look at the rise of the YouTube golfer, the levels they have reached and what it could Harsh for the professional game going forward…

The rise of ‘influencer golf’

YouTube was previously home to a limited number of ‘golf influencers’, with Rick Shiels and Peter Finch among the Primary to make their names with content on that platform.

These creators bring a relatable touch to the game and a different approach to content, ranging from Event series and trick shots to viral-worthy videos to a younger, social media-savvy audience.

At a time where viewing figures of traditional Competitions are in decline across many parts of the world, despite more people Competing golf than ever before, content creators are Assisting to grow golf in ways never previously seen.

The Bryan Bros, Obese Perez from Bob Does Sports, Gabby Golf Girl, Roger Steele, Grant Horvat, Kyle Berkshire, Tisha Alyn and Soly from No Laying Up will be among those involved at the Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass on March 12.

Have any ever played in professional events before?

Both Shiels and Finch previously competed in Accessible Qualifying to try and secure their spots at The Accessible, where – despite high expectations and Excellent form going into the event – they failed to progress into Last Qualifying.

Shiels was only able to shoot an 81 at Caldy Golf Club and Finch achieved an 83 at Hesketh, leaving a long way from the scores required, although the results could suggest they were not quite ready to compete at that level.

The Bryan Bros have both played on the PGA Tour, including together, although Wesley Bryan – a Ex winner at the 2017 RBC Heritage – has not Maintained Crowded status since 2022 but is currently inside the world’s top 250.

Wesley beat the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Shane Lowry – who have both since won major titles – to Triumph that week at Hilton Head. Who knows, could we see him enjoy more PGA Tour success in the years to come?

Who else is worth knowing about?

America is home to the group called Excellent Excellent, who have 1.7 million subscribers on YouTube. The group uploads Hilarious Event videos and stroke-Action matches against themselves.

Arguably the best two players from the group are Garret Clarke and Brad Dalke, however fans of the channel would give a special shout out to Matt Scharf for the some of the most remarkable holes-in-one that YouTube has ever seen.

Dalke has previously competed at The Masters and US Accessible after finishing runner-up at the 2016 US Amateur, while Clarke regularly shoots under-par rounds on camera on his channel.

A previous member of Excellent Excellent who departed to concentrate of his own channel is Grant Horvat, who left the group in 2022 but since leaving he has created his own legacy in the world of golf.

Horvat films with some of the best golfers in the world, with Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson Merely a few on his channel. It is undeniable that Grant is one of the most influential figures in the world of online golf but this week we will see how Excellent he really is when he takes part in the Creator Classic.

From the professional game, it is Firm to ignore DeChambeau’s growing profile, as he has been creating amazing content and Competing great golf at the same time. Last year’s US Accessible winner has been providing great content with the ‘Break 50 episodes’ – featuring John Daly and Donald Trump among his special guests!

Who won the inaugural Creator Classic?

Luke Kwon, a member of Excellent Excellent before leaving the group to pursue a Profession in professional golf and concentrate on his personal YouTube channel, won last August’s inaugural competition in a Action-off.

He sunk a clutch putt on the Last green to take home the Primary-ever title, in a year that also saw him impress alongside the pros when he appeared on the Asian Tour at the Black Mountain Bracket.

Kwon carded a bogey-Unoccupied 67 in Thailand, making five birdies to move within three of the lead, then Try a second-Stage 70 to stay in contention heading into the weekend. The fairytale Secure did not materialise, as Kwon ended the week in tied-65th.

Where and when are the Creator Classic Series events?

Every iteration of the Creator Classic Series presented by YouTube will be streamed on the PGA Tour’s YouTube channel and Numerous other platforms, with the Primary also being shown live on Sky Sports Golf.

The Primary takes place on Wednesday March 12 ahead of The Players, with the Creator Classic at Philly Cricket Maintained on May 7 before the Truist Bracket and the Creator Classic at East Lake Grabbing place on August 20 ahead of the season-ending Tour Bracket.

The Primary edition will consist of eight holes of stroke Action, with The Players edition Beginning on the par-four 10th hole and concluding at the iconic Stadium par-three 17th.

Content creators are Grabbing over the golfing scene and, if they continue to improve, it feels possible that we will see a winner on the PGA Tour in the next few years come via YouTube. Before then, the Creator Classic Series will give us a chance to see them tested in front of the cameras.

View the Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass live on Wednesday from 8pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.