The second installment of the Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass wasn’t just entertaining—it was a powerful reminder of how far golf content has evolved. Watching Grant Horvat sink that clutch 15-foot birdie putt to win the playoff against Chris Solomon and George Bryan IV wasn’t just a moment of individual triumph; it represented the culmination of years of transformation in how golf connects with audiences.

Let me be perfectly clear: if you’re still turning your nose up at golf influencers and YouTube creators in 2025, you’re actively hurting the game we all love. The numbers don’t lie. The Creator Classic is drawing viewership that traditional golf coverage would kill for, especially among younger demographics who represent the future of the sport.

Remember when golf was considered stuffy, exclusive, and inaccessible? The social media revolution has systematically dismantled those barriers. Creators like the No Laying Up crew, Good Good, and countless others have made golf approachable, relatable, and—dare I say it—cool. They’ve shown that you don’t need to be a scratch golfer or a country club member to participate in and enjoy the game.

What makes the Creator Classic so compelling is its authenticity. Watching Trent Ryan from Barstool Sports card an 11 on the infamous island green 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass and still celebrate making the green on his fifth attempt is the kind of content that resonates with average golfers. His quintuple-bogey 10 on the 16th hole might make traditionalists cringe, but it’s precisely this vulnerability and realness that makes these creators so relatable.

Meanwhile, Fat Perez, channeling Tiger Woods with his “Better Than Most” putt from 50 feet, showcases the perfect blend of skill, entertainment, and golf history that these creators bring to the table. These moments connect new fans to golf’s rich traditions while packaging them in a format that feels fresh and engaging.

The PGA TOUR deserves enormous credit for recognizing the value these creators bring to the sport. Hosting the Creator Classic at iconic venues like TPC Sawgrass and East Lake gives these influencers the platform they deserve while exposing their audiences to golf’s most hallowed grounds. The partnership with YouTube further demonstrates the TOUR’s commitment to meeting fans where they are, rather than expecting fans to come to them.

Critics fail to understand that these creators aren’t replacing traditional golf—they’re supplementing it and bringing new energy to the ecosystem. Their content serves as a gateway drug to deeper golf fandom. Someone who discovers golf through Good Good videos or Barstool’s Fore Play podcast might eventually become a devoted follower of PGA TOUR events.

The diversity of creators is also worth celebrating. From long-drive champion Kyle Berkshire to female creators like Tisha Alyn and GabbyGolfgirl, the Creator Classic showcases golf’s potential as an inclusive sport. These influencers are reaching audiences that traditional golf media has historically struggled to engage.

So here’s my unvarnished take: if you’re still complaining about golf influencers “not respecting the game” or “dumbing down golf,” you’re part of the problem. Thanks to these creators, the sport is growing, evolving, and becoming more accessible. Their passion, creativity, and authenticity are precisely what golf needs to thrive in the digital age.

The Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass wasn’t just good entertainment—it was a glimpse into golf’s bright future. And if you can’t get on board with that, well, to hell with you…and that’s coming from a nearly 50-year-old, 45-year-playing PGA Professional who loves the game’s tradition and celebrates its history. Adaptation is healthy…learn to adapt and embrace people!

Reader, please support me by checking out my three weekly columns on RG.org. On Mondays, I present “The Starter,” which recaps the week gone by in golf. On Thursdays, I give you “Fairway Focus,” which previews the week to come in golf. And on Saturdays, I dish up the “Weekend Fore-cast,” a look at what’s on tap for the upcoming weekend.

Editor’s note: “My Take” will be an ongoing weekly series where Brendon shares his thoughts and opinions on various aspects of the game and industry. These are Brendon’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of GolfWRX, its staff, and its affiliates. The original title was “Ryan: If you can’t embrace golf YouTube and social influencers by now, then to hell with you.”