I’ll admit it, in recent years, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the world of golf content creators, influencers, and YouTubers. As a PGA Professional and 30-year veteran of the industry, I have deep roots in the game’s traditions. However, I am not one of those die-hards who believe that how things have long been needs to be how things should always be. Society at large is constantly changing, from how people do things from a time standpoint or how they choose to consume entertainment, and golf should follow suit. Undoubtedly, this has been the case on many fronts over the past decade, and nowhere has it been more evident than in the world of content creation.

It’s been fascinating to observe the emergence of countless digital personalities, all unique in how they present the game to their audiences. Golf YouTubers are not only promoting the sport but also transforming how it’s consumed and appreciated by audiences around the world. While traditional golf coverage has its charm, YouTubers’ informal and often humorous take brings a refreshing perspective to the game, making it more relatable and accessible to both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

Erik Anders Lang, owner of Lang Creative, a production company, records a vlog on The Desert Winds Golf Course, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, Calif., Mar. 25, 2019

Take, for instance, professional golfers and major champions, such as Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson. These established names have made significant strides in digital spaces, engaging audiences with their unique personalities and expertise. Bryson’s “Break 50” series is a prime example. Watching him tackle a course with partners ranging from the likes of Tom Brady to the Bob Does Sports crew, with the singular goal of breaking 50 from the forward tees, is both exciting and tension-filled—a take on golf that you won’t find in any traditional tournament. His experimental approach, combined with his analytical prowess, provides viewers with a different angle on the sport, one that’s both educational and entertaining.

Phil Mickelson has started to dip his toe into this space, bringing his flair to the table. His entertaining charisma shines through in collaborations with influencers and other content creators, including the newly announced upcoming tag team, 2 vs. 2 series with Grant Horvat. In his early appearances so far, Phil’s humor and expertise come to life in a way that television broadcasts rarely capture. These kinds of projects blur the line between professional sportsmanship and casual entertainment—a blend that hooks viewers like me who might not normally spend an hour watching golf on their phones.

Speaking of collaborations, players such as Collin Morikawa and Tony Finau on popular YouTuber Grant Horvat’s channel highlight the increasing crossover between professional and digital realms. These appearances are more than guest spots; they are opportunities for fans to see their favorite stars in a different light—perhaps hitting a shank or sharing a good-natured laugh over a missed putt. The unscripted, authentic moments resonate with viewers, reminding us that even the best in the world are human and capable of having fun in the sport they excel at.

One of the true pioneers in this space is PGA TOUR star Wesley Bryan, along with his brother George. These two have been instrumental in shaping the online golf scene. With roots in professional golf, Wesley offers an authenticity that complements his entertaining approach to content creation. His deep knowledge of the sport, paired with the playful brotherly dynamic with George, provides a unique viewing experience that appeals to a broad audience. Their ability to demystify the game while still maintaining respect for its traditions makes their content exceptionally magnetic.

Collaborations like these often tip the scales for someone like me, who might not usually dedicate over an hour to watching golf YouTube in one sitting. The interaction between professionals and creators injects a sense of spontaneity and community into golf, which is historically seen as an individualistic and methodical sport. This evolving medium of golf content isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a thriving ecosystem that continues to expand and diversify.

Bryson, Phil, Wesley, and countless other creators are building a bridge between the traditional world of golf and the digital age, appealing to both die-hard enthusiasts and casual viewers. Love or hate their online personas; you cannot deny that they make damn good content. As we look toward the future, with exciting formats such as Bryson’s “Break 50” series or Grant and Phil’s upcoming 2 vs. 2 matches, it’s evident that this form of entertainment is far from reaching its peak. The mix of education, competition, humor, and camaraderie offers something for everyone, ensuring that golf remains an engaging and dynamic sport for generations to come.

Golf Gratitude: Your weekly dose of good vibes from the golf world is my new weekly look at the feel-good stories happening in golf. Why? Because we all need a little dose of good vibes occasionally.

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 Wednesdays, I give you “Fairway Focus,” which previews the week to come in golf. And on Fridays, I dish up the “Friday Fore-cast,” a look at what’s on tap for the upcoming weekend.