PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass, held on March 12, 2025, turned out to be much more than just another golf tournament; it was a showcase of talent and nerves, culminating with Grant Horvat clinching victory with impressive skill on one of golf's most iconic holes.
Horvat triumphed after battling through the pressure, managing to sink a 15-foot birdie on the first playoff hole, the notorious par-3 17th. This moment not only highlighted Horvat's skill but also marked the culmination of eight holes of stroke play, where ten notable golf content creators competed intensely on the famed back nine.
The day's events kicked off under the spectacle of the famous TPC Sawgrass, known for its challenging layout and particularly its tricky 17th hole. Starting with holes 10 through 17, the creators fought not just for the win but also to entertain and engage their massive audiences. The competition attracted golf fans from all walks of life, drawn by the charismatic personalities and unique format.
Joining Horvat were fellow creators Chris Solomon and George Bryan IV, both of whom showed exceptional skill throughout the day. Regulation play ended with Horvat and Bryan finishing at 1-over par, which allowed them to progress to the playoff alongside Solomon, who ended his round at 2-over. "At the beginning of the day, I was the most nervous I’ve ever been, and I think today I kind of proved something to myself, I can handle the nerves," Horvat remarked after his victory.
Finding his rhythm amid nerves, Horvat defied the odds on the 17th hole during the playoff, where the pressure led many to falter. Solomon and Bryan both parred the hole during regulation play, but they couldn’t replicate the same during the final challenge. Horvat’s successful putt signified not only his win but also his resilience against overwhelming competition.
Despite the thrill of the playoff, not every competitor fared well on this significant stage. Barstool Sports' Trent Ryan faced his own demons, finishing with a staggering octuple-bogey 11 on the 17th hole after five attempts to hit the green. "We were like, ‘It’s an 8-iron.’ All day, we’re like, ‘Hit the 8-iron!’ It just wasn’t the club, so we ended up going with the 7-iron. Usually, you aren’t very happy with an 11, but people were rooting me on, so it was fun," Ryan said, showcasing his humor even amid the chaos. His finish was less than stellar at 29-over 61, after also hitting quintuple-bogey on the par-5 16th hole.
Yet, the Creator Classic had its share of shining moments as well. Fat Perez emerged as the only player to make a birdie on the 17th hole during regulation, sinking a lengthy 50-foot putt. The crowd erupted as Perez celebrated, drawing comparisons to Tiger Woods’ legendary putt during THE PLAYERS Championship. His ability to stay cool and collected under pressure served as inspiration to fans, proving golf can be as entertaining as it is competitive.
The scores rounded out with Roger Steele finishing at 3-over, followed by Kyle Berkshire, Tisha Alyn, GabbyGolfgirl, and Wesley Bryan, all concluding their rounds at 6-over. This disparity among scores echoed the capabilities and struggles of each participant, reminding audiences of golf's unpredictable nature.
The Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass was not just centered around competition but also emphasized the importance of fan engagement within the sport of golf. This innovative event format, promoted largely through social media, seeks to generate greater interest among younger audiences, leveraging the popularity of these creators.
Looking forward, the excitement doesn't stop here. The third Creator Classic is slated for May 7, 2025, to coincide with the Truist Championship at The Philadelphia Cricket Club. Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts gear up for the fourth installment set for August 20, 2025, at East Lake, continuing the tradition of blending entertainment with sport.
This year’s tournaments not only unify golf fans but encourage interaction between content creators and their audiences, setting out to accomplish what the PGA Tour's Creator Council began working on last December: creating modern avenues for golf appreciation and engagement. Andy Weitz, the PGA Tour's Chief Marketing Officer, expressed this initiative as necessary for adapting to the changing face of golf fandom.
Overall, the 2025 Creator Classic showcased not just the game but also the personalities behind it, allowing viewers to engage with their favorite creators like never before. With such enthusiasm and skill on display, the series appears well positioned to shape how the future of golf is consumed.