Golf enthusiasts witnessed an electrifying event as the 2025 Creator Classic unfolded at TPC Sawgrass, marking the first of three contests featuring social media's most iconic golf influencers. This year's competition commenced on March 12, charming both live attendees and viewers across numerous streaming platforms, including the Golf Channel, ESPN+, and more.
This satirical tournament, crafted to blend sporting skill with entertainment, took center stage just one day before the prestigious THE PLAYERS Championship, heightening the anticipation among fans. Billed as engaging and fun, the Creator Classic allowed ten creators to showcase their prowess on the back nine of the iconic Stadium Course, culminating at the challenging par-3 17th hole.
The talented lineup included popular figures, such as George Bryan IV, Wesley Bryan, Fat Perez, Gabby Golf Girl, Roger Steele, Grant Horvat, Tisha Alyn, Kyle Berkshire, Soly, and Trent Ryan. The tournament format involved eight holes of stroke play, leading to the top three competitors facing off in sudden-death playoff action.
With tee times staggered from 4:15 PM ET onward, players took to the course beginning at the par-4 10th hole. Golf fans eagerly awaited the results, with the event receiving considerable attention from viewers across the globe. During the live stream, the excitement of the crowd was palpable as these beloved content creators geared up for their shots.
Highlighting the day’s impressive performances, Grant Horvat emerged victorious thanks to his strong play throughout the event. After starting strong, he finished the official play at +1, matching the score of fellow competitor George Bryan IV. Horvat captured the victory on the 17th by executing spot-on precision with his pitching wedge, landing on the green and sinking a challenging birdie putt from around 15 feet.
"Today I proved something to myself; I can handle the nerves. I was swinging free," Horvat remarked, encapsulating the thrill of the competition. His well-deserved win showcased not only his skills on the links but also the solid camaraderie shared among the players.
Jordan Ryan’s performance, on the other hand, drew attention for different reasons. The standout influencer humorously struggled on the 17th, landing his tee shots four times in the water, before finally making it onto the island green on the fifth attempt. Despite the comedy of errors, he managed to earn cheers from the audience, proving once again how entertaining the competition can be. "Usually, you aren’t very happy with an 11…but it was fun," he said, showcasing his good sportsmanship.
Horvat and Bryan, along with Soly who completed the playoff contenders, proceeded to the legendary 17th hole to settle the competition. Soly, who navigated through the day with skill after experiencing difficulties early on, showed resilience by tapping in seven straight pars after starting with a double bogey. His performance earned him admiration from viewers and fellow competitors alike.
Throughout the day, there were plenty of memorable moments. Fat Perez made headlines with his impressive birdie putt from over 40 feet back, delivered on the 17th green. The celebrating crowds cheered as he sunk the lengthy shot, garnering respect among fans.
The group of creators not only garnered attention for their golfing skills but also for their ability to entertain and engage the audience. The social media popularity of the participants lent itself well to this unique format, merging the serious nature of golf with the joy and humor inherent to their channels.
PGA Tour Studios and Pro Shop's creative teams combined traditional golf broadcasting methods with innovative tech to deliver the experience viewers craved. Using ShotLink, Trackman, and drone technology typically reserved for PGA Tour events, the viewing experience was elevated, adding depth to the coverage.
Chad Mumm, co-founder of Pro Shop, remarked, "It’s surreal to know... recognizable content creators will walk the same fairways of TPC Sawgrass just one day prior," emphasizing the bridge between traditional sports and modern digital engagement. The response from golf fans echoed this excitement, with live broadcasts drawing significant viewership numbers and interaction across social platforms.
Following the thrilling outcome of the Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass, anticipation is building for the upcoming events, with the next installments set to take place at The Philadelphia Cricket Club on May 7 and concluding back at East Lake Golf Club on August 20. Once again, golf fans will witness these beloved creators go head-to-head as they entertain aspiring golfers and golf enthusiasts alike.
Totaling 83,000 viewers during the event signaled the timely push of content creators brightening the otherwise traditionally serious world of golf. Whether through infectious joy or poignant narratives, these influencers have brought new life to the sport and engaged staggering audiences with their unique perspectives.