You might recognize Grant Horvat from his creative golf videos on YouTube. Recently, though, he made headlines for a different reason—receiving an invitation to compete in the $4 million Barracuda Championship this July. While there’s still some time before the event, Horvat found himself unsure about whether he should accept the offer. Fortunately, PGA Tour pro Michael Kim stepped in with some timely advice.
It all started after Grant Horvat recently shared a post asking, “I got invited to play a PGA Tour event. Truly on the fence, should I play?” While he was confused about it, PGA Tour pro Michael Kim chipped in to help him decide. Kim said, “If you want to play, you should play. It’s a sponsors invite and any person or maybe even tour pro that wants to tell you that you’re taking a spot or you should “earn it” is total BS.” After this, Horvat humbly said, “Thanks, Michael. Respect.”
Grant Horvat is known for his creative videos on YouTube. He recently won the Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass and also has a collegiate golf expertise. However, after he got an invitation to play at the Barracuda Championship, it also sparked a controversy in the community. A LIV golf insider criticized the PGA Tour and said, “Are there not thousands of more deserving professionals to invite? The @PGATOUR continues to make a mockery of the sport.” Could it be the reason Horvat is confused about his participation?
If you want to play, you should play. It’s a sponsors invite and any person or maybe even tour pro that wants to tell you that you’re taking a spot or you should “earn it” is total BS.
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) April 16, 2025
Coming with a special Modified Stableford format, the Barracuda Championship offers a $4 million purse as a prize. The event is scheduled to be held at the Old Greenwood course at Tahoe Mountain Club in Truckee, California, from July 14 to 20, 2025. While Grant Horvat is taking his time to decide, fans seem to agree with Michael Kim’s advice for the YouTuber.
Fans appreciate Michael Kim’s take
Horvat doesn’t have experience in professional tournaments and has received his spot through sponsor exemptions. One fan commented, “Agreed. It’s all for entertainment,” pointing out that with 1.15 million subscribers on his channel. Horvat’s presence could boost fan engagement, ultimately aligning with the tournament’s goal of providing entertainment. Expressing similar sentiment, another nodded, “Good advise.”
While praising Michael Kim for his perspective, another fan chimed in, “Love your take on this. I fully agree. It would bring in a lot of extra ratings.” The PGA Tour has been grappling with declining viewership since last year—this year’s American Express Open saw a 60% drop compared to the previous edition. Grant Horvat’s invitation could help turn that around by drawing more eyes to the event. As one fan succinctly put it, “Based.”
Michael Kim is known for having a good gesture on the PGA Tour. One fan took that into account and added, “Michael, he wants to play, he’s just farming impressions. Please don’t rise to it, you’re a genuinely good guy. He is a content creator who’s sole purpose is to grow followers and impressions, there is a difference.” Noting that, it might be Grant Horvat’s publicity stunt to gain more followers, while Kim is genuine with his thoughts and advice. The golfer even got a similar type of praise last month during THE PLAYERS Championship when he decided to spend some time with the Harden family, giving them a lifetime memory.
What do you think about this advice from Michael Kim? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Michael Kim Earns ‘Respect’ From Grant Horvat & Golf World for Helping YouTuber Through Rare PGA Tour Opportunity appeared first on EssentiallySports.