The PGA Tour’s influencer event ‘The Creator Classic Series’ has brought onboard YouTube as a streaming and presenting sponsor.
YouTube will fit seamlessly into the PGA’s event that enables social media and digital influencers and content creators to compete in golf to help grow interest amongst younger and digital-native consumers.
Many of the participants of the Creator Classic built their followings on YouTube, such as Fat Perez from ‘Bob Does Sports’ and Gabby Golf Girl, who boast over a combined one million subscribers on the platform. The Creator Classic Series will consist of three events, which begins on 12 March at TPC Sawgrass
Participants include Bryan Bros, Roger Steele, Grant Horvat, Kyle Berkshire, Tisha Alyn, Soly from ‘No Laying Up’ and a personality from Barstool Sports media company, which will be determined via a qualifier.
The following events will be hosted on 7 May at Philly Cricket and conclude with the Creator Classic at East Lake on 20 August. YouTube will live stream all three events and be a prominent title partner of each series.
Chris Wandell, PGA Tour SVP of Media, said: “Many of the creators participating across the Creator Classic Series credit the power of the YouTube platform for lifting their voices and introducing themselves to their legions of fans.
“That natural connection made YouTube an obvious sponsor and promotional partner in this endeavor, and we are delighted to introduce their community of billions of users worldwide to these dynamic golf creators and the PGA Tour’s iconic venues.”
Not only does YouTube provide a familiar feel to the Creator Classic, but its large-scale global reach will help the PGA Tour reach new audiences in new countries.
YouTube is the most-watched, largest video content platform in the world, active in more than 100 countries and available in more than 80 languages, representing an opportunity for the PGA Tour to garner interest in the Creator Classic, in particular younger audiences.
Last year, during the inaugural Creator Classic series, YouTube recorded 2.7 million views for the PGA Tour FedExpress Playoffs, with up to 60 million social media engagements during a four-week period.
“Creators are redefining what must-see sports content looks like and fans today are seeking more than just live coverage — they want immersive, interactive experiences with their favorite creators,” added Angela Courtin, VP of YouTube Marketing for Connected TV and Creative Studios.
“Over the past year, sports living room watch time on YouTube has grown more than 30% and the PGA Tour’s Creator Classic golf tournament series is a prime example of this evolution. Together we’re blending top-tier competition with creator-driven content that makes the sport more accessible and exciting for a new generation of fans.
“As YouTube continues to be the home for sports storytelling, we’re excited to see how golf creators and the PGA Tour innovate and shape the future of the game on our platform.”
