As the new kids on the PGA Tour block, The Myrtle Beach Classic garnered attention with a different approach through YouTube Golf.
They held a 16-player, 18-hole shootout qualifier between eight professional golfers and eight YouTubers. The winner earned a spot in the new PGA Tour tournament field.
Incorporating one of the fastest-growing parts of the game was an incredible idea.
Dubbed “The Q at Myrtle Beach,” the video was filmed in early March, but the winner was unknown until Tuesday when Play Golf Myrtle Beach posted it.
The YouTubers who participated in the shootout were Grant Horvat, Peter Finch, Micah Morris, Luke Kwon, Dan Rapaport from Barstool’s ForePlay Pod, Nic Stubbe, better known as Fat Perez of Bob Does Sports, George Bryan of Bryan Bros Golf and Cole Lantz of BustaJack.
The video went live at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 23.
Since its premiere, it has amassed over 520,000 views.
Play Golf Myrtle Beach’s channel has just 11,000 followers. Most of its videos get 1,000 views or less.
Yet, when they utilized YouTubers, the channel pulled massive numbers—we are talking millions of social media impressions across the 10 videos they made.
Was it a perfect production? No, but it is YouTube. To put it simply, the product met the expectations.
The 90-minute video could have been condensed to make it even more attractive, but the views speak for themselves.
It provided people a look into YouTube Golf and why so many enjoy it.
More YouTube Golf involvement with PGA Tour?
This will likely be just the beginning of incorporating more of this element into the game.
YouTube Golf is part of the future. It is great for golf and growing the game. Having that many eyes on a qualifier is massive. Play Golf Myrtle Beach took a risk, and it paid off.
Overall, it was a smart risk to take.
I give it an A- because some changes could have been made. The videography could have been better, and the editing could have been cleaner.
Regardless, the idea should change people’s perspective on golf content can be consumed and how vital YouTube Golf will be for the longevity of the game.
No, it is not traditional, but these guys love the same game as traditionalists — they just do it differently. Look at Bryson DeChambeau and how he has elevated his brand by creating a channel.
He understands the value of YouTube for not just his personal brand, but how it can benefit the game as well. DeChambeau has even had some of the YouTube participants on his channel.
Coming out of the pandemic, golf saw in explosion in popularity. Much of that has been at younger age demographics. Those same demographics utilize social media like YouTube to consume content and there are tens of millions of them.
The PGA Tour should examine this campaign and not write it off. Leadership should find ways to incorporate YouTube Golf to attract more young viewers.
Once again, Masters television ratings were in decline on CBS. There is a growing shift in how people consume media and sports. It is incumbent upon the PGA Tour and governing bodies of the sport to do what is best for the future of the game.
For those fans who are still against YouTube Golf, buckle up because it is not going anywhere.
YouTube Golf is not a fad. These guys produce quality golf content, and they deserve respect. Entertainment is part of golf, and they give it to the masses.
Embrace them and check out their content because this element of the game will need to be included for golf to continue to thrive.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
