YouTube golf has exploded in recent years but the latest addition to the scene, LIV Golf’s ‘The Duels’ might well have topped the lot in terms of star power.
The Duels is effectively LIV’s answer to the PGA Tour’s Creator Classic, only this time, our favourite YouTube stars team up with some of the best golfers in the world to battle it out.
Grant Horvat hosted the tournament on his own channel, as he partnered up with Phil Mickelson to take on a number of other teams.
In the end, the team of Sergio Garcia and George Bryan won out as they battled to a playoff win against Bubba Watson and Luke Kwon.
Rick Shiels and Joaquin Niemann were joint third with Mickelson and Horvat, while Dustin Johnson and Wesley Bryan and Cam Smith and Fat Perez brought up the rear.
Of course, with plenty of eyeballs on the event, The Duels was always going to be heavily scrutinised.
And looking at the reaction to fans online, it seems to have gone down a storm.
Golf fans impressed as Sergio Garcia and George Bryan win The Duels
With such star power from social media and from the professional golf world, The Duels was always going to have a chance to be a major hit and it seems to have done just that.
With so many comments over on Horvat’s YouTube channel about the tournament, it seems that LIV have hit a home run with their first Duels effort.
One fan called the content ‘magical’, they were so impressed.
“Nobody in the YouTube golf scene is even coming close to Grant, Bobby burgs and Bryan brothers it’s honestly magical content”
While another claimed it might be the best golf YouTube video of all time.
“This is obviously the best YouTube golf video ever made, so far. Regular PGA Tour Events: Signature events like the RBC Heritage (April 2024) hit 4.2 million for its final round, while The Players Championship (March 2023) drew 4.1 million. Lesser events, like the Houston Open (March 2025), peaked at 4.3 million during Scheffler’s run, but averages are often 2-3 million. I suspect this video will receive comparable views. Where does that put YouTube golf on the map? I don’t think there is a competition between LIV and the PGA anymore. They are simply different products. PGA owns the prestige. LIV is about fun. And that’s ok.”
Another fan suggested it was better than any professional event on TV right now.
“This is so much fun to watch. More fun than any pro tournament coverage I’ve ever watched.”
While another golf love praised LIV for having the vision to pull it off.
“This is just awesome to see! Mad props to LIV golf for seeing the value in partnering with YouTube creators, and to the pros for participating. You are doing amazing things for the greatest sport on earth!”
Going into further detail, another fan lauded the whole production, and noted the inclusion of President Donald Trump.
“This video is totally insane. YouTubers together with a bunch of fairly recent Major winners, Donald Trump landing with Marine One AND the dramatic ending. So happy for George – the nicest human being on YouTube golf. Hats off!””
While finally, one supporter of the event suggested this is just what golf fans want to see.
“By far the most enjoyable golf to watch. Pros hitting great shots. Creators hitting great shots and carrying shows they can golf with the best of em. But seeing the pros have fun is the most humanizing for all of us golf fans. I love this”
With YouTube and golf seemingly getting bigger by the year across the board, there is a genuine chance we get an event at some point with big money at stake involving professionals and YouTubers.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
