Netflix’s “Full Swing,” the explosion of golf YouTube channels, and professional players becoming content creators themselves aren’t just changing how we consume golf – they’re revolutionizing our relationship with the game and its stars. This shift in how golf is consumed by fans is going to help propel its popularity for years to come. Gone are the days when the game was stuffy and players were guarded. Golf can now be cool not just to golfers but also to the masses.

Golf coverage was once seen as a way to simply watch tournament play. Today, the golf landscape is filled with intimate, behind-the-scenes content that reveals the human side of the sport’s biggest names. This transformation isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about fostering real connections between players and their fans.

Take “Full Swing,” for instance. The Netflix series has masterfully peeled back the curtain on professional golf, revealing the raw emotions, personal struggles, and intimate moments that make these athletes relatable human beings rather than distant figures on a leaderboard. When we watch Joel Dahmen confront his self-doubt or Tony Finau balance family life with professional aspirations, we’re not just watching golf stories – we’re witnessing universal human experiences that resonate far beyond the sport.

Full Swing Netflix Billboard on February 22, 2023, in Los Angeles, California, USA. Photo by Barry King/Alamy Stock Photo

The rise of golf YouTube content has similarly transformed the landscape. Players like Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, and Wesley Bryan have embraced the platform, sharing not just their technical expertise but also their personalities, daily lives, and personal journeys. This direct-to-fan connection creates an unprecedented level of accessibility and authenticity that traditional media never could. When Bryson shares his scientific approach to the game or Phil offers insights into his strategic thinking, they’re not just teaching golf – they’re sharing their passions, their thought processes, and their unique perspectives on life.

What makes this evolution particularly powerful is its ability to bridge generational gaps. While I may be turning 50 this year, I find myself just as engrossed in YouTube golf content as younger viewers. The reason is simple: authentic human stories transcend age barriers. Whether you’re 15 or 50, watching a professional golfer navigate challenges, celebrate victories, or share vulnerable moments creates a connection that makes the sport more engaging and meaningful.

This new media landscape has also democratized golf storytelling. We’re no longer limited to the narratives traditional broadcasts choose to highlight. Instead, we get to see the full spectrum of personalities and stories that make up the professional golf world. From the tour veterans to the up-and-coming stars, players can share their unique journeys, struggles, and triumphs directly with fans.

The impact of this evolution extends beyond entertainment value. These personal connections and shared stories inspire the next generation of golfers, showing them that their heroes face the same doubts, fears, and challenges they do. When a young golfer sees their favorite player discussing mental health struggles or sharing practice failures, it normalizes these experiences and provides valuable perspective.

As we continue to embrace these new forms of golf content, we’re reminded of a fundamental truth: despite our differences in age, skill level, or background, our shared human experiences unite us. Whether we’re watching “Full Swing,” following our favorite golf YouTubers or engaging with players on social media, we’re participating in something more meaningful than just golf entertainment – we’re part of a community bound together by shared stories, struggles, and triumphs.

The future of golf media lies not just in showcasing great shots and tournament victories but in continuing to tell human stories that remind us we’re all more alike than different. In doing so, we’re not just growing the game—we’re strengthening the connections that make golf such a special sport.

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.