Social media and YouTube have created entirely new channels for fan engagement that didn’t exist just a few years ago. Meanwhile, traditional tournaments continue to preserve their history on courses worldwide. But now, an interesting divide has emerged between two of golf’s biggest stars regarding this digital revolution.
During a recent pre-game press conference at TPC Sawgrass, Rory McIlroy didn’t mince words when asked about his interest in YouTube golf content creators like Fat Perez and Grant Horvat. His response? A crystal-clear dismissal that has set golf social media ablaze. Yet across the divide, Phil Mickelson is taking a completely different approach, openly praising what Bryson DeChambeau has accomplished online and expressing his desire to follow in those digital footsteps.
Rory McIlroy prefers ‘pure competitive golf’ over YouTube
McIlroy made his feelings abundantly clear at TPC Sawgrass. “I’m not of that generation,” the Northern Irishman stated bluntly when asked about the YouTube golf phenomenon. “I’d much rather watch pure competitive—I’d much rather watch this tournament on Saturday and Sunday than watch YouTube golf.”
His comments reflect a staunch traditionalist viewpoint that prioritizes competitive tournament play. When pressed further about the massive viewership these content creators generate, McIlroy remained unmoved. “I’m happy for the people that enjoy it, but I enjoy something else,” he added, effectively drawing a line in the sand between traditional tournament golf and the entertainment-driven content flourishing online.
McIlroy’s dismissive stance hasn’t gone unchallenged, however. Robby Berger, frontman of the popular YouTube channel Bob Does Sports, fired back with a spirited defense, telling McIlroy to “bite his tongue” in an Instagram video. “You don’t think that YouTube is competitive enough, Rory? Try being the first out of 10 in a 10-man scramble,” Berger responded. “Lot of responsibility to show the nine guys behind me whether that putt’s going to break right to left, or left to right. You bite your tongue, McIlroy.” The exchange highlights the growing tension between golf’s traditional establishment and its digital frontier.
Rory McIlroy says he’s not a big fan of YouTube golf: “I’m not of that generation. I’d much rather watch pure competitive…I’d much rather watch this tournament on Saturday and Sunday than watch YouTube golf… I’m happy for the people that enjoy it, but I enjoy something… pic.twitter.com/OjxyFgxuMR
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 12, 2025
This dismissive stance stands in stark contrast to Mickelson’s enthusiasm about the digital space. During a LIV Golf Hong Kong interview, Mickelson highlighted DeChambeau’s YouTube success as something he admires and wants to emulate. “Bryson I always use as an example because what he’s doing on YouTube is inspirational,” Mickelson remarked enthusiastically.
The six-time major champion didn’t stop there. He went on to acknowledge his own social media efforts while humbly noting they pale in comparison to DeChambeau’s accomplishments. “It’s a small glimmer of what he’s doing, and again, sometimes you have to see it to dream it,” Mickelson admitted. His comments reveal a seasoned pro who recognizes the shifting landscape and is eager to adapt rather than resist.
Moreover, Mickelson explicitly praised how DeChambeau’s approach has brought in younger audiences. “Seeing what Bryson has done and the way he’s been able to create interest at a much younger target audience, that’s crucial to the game of golf,” he noted. This perspective highlights Mickelson’s forward-thinking mindset as he looks toward golf’s future growth. While golf’s heavyweights argue on YouTube’s merits, the data of those wielding the power of social media tells a whole different story.
How golf influencers are changing golf’s landscape
DeChambeau’s YouTube channel has become a powerhouse in golf content creation, with an impressive 1.7 million subscribers and rapidly closing in on Rick Shiels’ 2.9 million count. His digital success has not only resuscitated his public image but also created a blueprint for bringing younger audiences to the sport, something Mickelson explicitly praised. “Seeing what Bryson has done and the way he’s been able to create interest at a much younger target audience, that’s crucial to the game of golf,” he remarked, highlighting the demographic that traditional golf has struggled to capture.
The numbers tell a compelling story about this new frontier in golf engagement. Over 4.3 billion golf video views were recorded on YouTube in a recent 90-day period, according to Sports Business Journal, while Good Good Golf’s “Desert Open” event attracted 670,000 viewers within 24 hours, surpassing LIV Golf’s 438,000 viewers for one of their highest-rated Sunday rounds. This massive viewership has translated into tangible growth, with golf equipment sales surging by 10% in 2022 and record numbers of rounds played during the pandemic era, with two-thirds of new golfers attributing their participation directly to online content.
The industry has responded decisively to this shift, with major manufacturers like Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade signing partnerships with leading golf content creators. Even President Trump recognized this trend by appearing on DeChambeau’s channel during the election campaign, generating over 13 million views and helping DeChambeau gain 400,000 new subscribers in a single month. DeChambeau’s approach of balancing content creation with competitive golf has proven that these pursuits can complement rather than detract from each other.
The contrasting perspectives of McIlroy and Mickelson represent a larger conversation about honoring traditions while embracing new pathways for growth throughout golf. So, which side are you on? Let us know in the comments section below!
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