LIV Golf is branching out and partnering with content creators to create new and engaging content for their audience. The upcoming event called ‘The Duels’ will feature 6 teams, each consisting of one LIV golf professional and one YouTube content creator. The event will take place during LIV’s Miami event at Trump Doral and the coverage will be exclusively on Grant Horvat’s channel. This event is part of the growing trend of events like the PGA Tour’s “Creator Classic” that pit popular YouTube golfers against each other in a 9-hole stroke play competition.
Grant Horvat, Rick Shiels, Fat Perez, and Luke Kwon are primarily YouTube golfers, while Wesley Bryan is a PGA Tour member with “conditional status”. Bryan has had success in his pro career, winning the RBC Heritage in 2017 and competing in various tournaments. LIV Golf events are non-sanctioned by the PGA Tour, meaning that players like Bryan would need to request a release to compete in these events. notable absences from ‘The Duels’ include Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka, who are considered to be LIV Golf’s most marketable assets. It is possible that these players could be involved in future events similar to ‘The Duels’.
The Duels event is an exciting opportunity for fans to see their favorite LIV Golf professionals team up with YouTube influencers for a fun and competitive event. The unique format of 6 teams competing in a 9-hole scramble adds a new twist to traditional golf tournaments. Content creators like Grant Horvat have been creating engaging content with LIV pros like Phil Mickelson, further blurring the line between professional golf and social media influencers.
The success of events like the Creator Classic and The Duels highlights the growing popularity of YouTube golfers and the influence they have in the golf community. By partnering with content creators, LIV Golf is tapping into a new audience and creating unique content that appeals to a wider demographic. This partnership benefits both the content creators and the LIV Golf brand, as they can reach new fans and create engaging and shareable content.
The blend of traditional golf tournaments and social media influencers is a sign of the changing landscape of the golf industry. Players like Wesley Bryan, who straddle the line between professional golf and content creation, are emblematic of this shift. As LIV Golf continues to innovate and collaborate with content creators, they are positioning themselves as a forward-thinking and dynamic organization in the golf world. The future of golf entertainment may increasingly rely on these types of partnerships and events to engage fans and grow the sport.