Paige Spiranac has consistently offered thoughtful insights to the golf community and has been more than just a golf influencer. As golf’s digital evolution is now a big part of the sport, she’s been the face of golf ever since, from viral swing videos to casual opinions, which have ignited debates. Recently, she gave some insightful historical information, breaking down how golf’s online world came to life.

In a new video on her X channel, Spiranac gave her golf fans a tour of golf’s social media rise from the early YouTube trailblazers to the pandemic boom. She covered it all from Rick Shiels and Peter Finch to Bob Does Sports and Bryan Brothers, calling the sport’s online growth “pretty crazy.”Her active engagement with her audience keeps fans excited and invested in golf content.

Spiranac began by explaining why she wanted to trace golf’s digital roots: “So I get asked about golf social media, golf YouTube all the time, and like who I think are the OGs, the timeline, history, all of this. And I realize I don’t think a lot of people understand, like the timeline of how it all came to be. So I was looking this up, and I was like, that would be a cool video. So this is kind of like the timeline, and it’s very condensed.” Many fans follow golf creators, but don’t know how the entire scene started or evolved.

Paige then mapped out the early years of golf’s online revolution. She said, “So this is kind of like the timeline, and it’s very condensed. I know I’m missing people, but you have the godfather of golf YouTube, you have Rick Shiels posting in 2012. Then you have who I think is very underrated is Peter Finch, posting in 2013. You have Garrett Clark also posting in 2013. Then you have, um, No Laying Up, who started their podcast in 2014. Then you have the Bryan Brothers doing trick shot videos in 2014. You have me come in and posting 2015. That’s when the whole golf babes boom movement happened right in there. So, a bunch of girls were coming in, also influence from the Bryan Brothers, were all these trick shot artists.”

Rick Shiels laid the foundation for golf YouTube with tutorials and gear reviews that made the sport simple to learn. Peter Finch followed with lesson-based videos, detailed swing breakdowns, and calm on-course vlogs that built trust among everyday golfers. Garrett Clark then added a youthful twist, creating fast-paced, engaging videos that pulled in younger fans. No Laying Up took the analytical route, starting as a podcast filled with humor and bold opinions, and later developed into a travel series that explored golf culture.

The Bryan Brothers, meanwhile, turned golf into entertainment through jaw-dropping trick shots and challenges that went viral. Around the same time, the “golf babes” movement brought a wave of female creators like Paige herself, who made the game more visible, stylish, and inclusive online.

Paige continued, “So you have like hole-in-one trick shots, Coach Rusty, Tania Tare, all kind of around that time. Then, in 2017, everything changed when Fore Play came on the scene. And then in 2019, they start their YouTube channel, and that is also when BroFive happened, you know, you know. Then end of 2019, BroFive disassembled and became Good Good.”

Coach Rusty became known for his incredible short-game trick shots and creative putting videos. Tania Tare also built a name in the same lane, blending skill and entertainment through inventive golf challenges.

Fore Play, Barstool Sports’ golf podcast, shifted the tone of golf media. They mixed comedy, raw banter, and fan-first storytelling, making the game feel casual and fun.

BroFive was a group of young golfers who filmed challenges, matches, and collaborations. However, creative differences and new opportunities led them to split in late 2019. From that split came Good Good, which went on to redefine modern golf YouTube with cinematic content and group chemistry.

Paige wrapped up her rundown by saying, “COVID happened, and then like ’21, ’22, that’s when Grant Horvat went off to do his own thing and became like the golden boy of like golf YouTube. And then in 2021 also, that is when Bob Does Sports started to gain traction, but at first it was only Bob and Joey Cold Cuts. And then when they did the collab with Fore Play, that is when Fat Perez came in. Also in 2021, that is when Bryson started posting more consistently. Um, and that’s, that’s how it is today. Pretty crazy, huh?”

Paige’s journey reflects her transition from a social media personality to a strategic role in the golf world, shaping how content and creators engage fans today.

Grant Horvat rose to fame as part of Good Good, known for his calm energy and silky smooth swing. Fans called him the “golden boy” because he embodied the ideal YouTube golfer: skilled, humble, and camera-ready. When he left Good Good to create his own content, his audience followed him, proving his individual pull in golf media.

Bob Does Sports began as a comedic golf channel led by Robby Berger, known as “Bob.” At first, it was just Bob and his friend Joey Cold Cuts, whose laid-back humor and relatable golf struggles made the show feel authentic. Their collaboration with Fore Play in 2021, a fun, chaotic round mixing both crews, went viral and brought massive attention. That’s when Fat Perez, a scratch golfer with hilarious one-liners and clutch play, joined full-time, turning the trio into a fan favorite.

Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau, fresh off his 2020 U.S. Open win and LIV Golf move, started posting consistently on YouTube. He shared behind-the-scenes practice sessions, equipment tests, and course challenges. His openness gave fans rare access to a major champion’s process, and it helped bridge the gap between pro golf and the YouTube community.

The impact of social media on the golf industry

Social media has transformed how golf connects with fans, brands, and players. Once a quiet, tradition-driven sport, golf now thrives online with viral highlights, influencer content, and real-time fan engagement. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have turned swings into trends and weekend golfers into mini-celebrities. Moreover, players use social media to build personal brands, share insights, and inspire global audiences. As the digital wave grows stronger, social media isn’t just shaping golf’s image; it’s redefining the sport’s future.

For instance, one analysis by Roger Steele notes that “YouTube has transformed how golf content is shared and consumed online. Anyone can upload golf-related videos, from lessons to mini-tour events.”

Influencers play a big role. According to an article by Koaa News5 on influencer impact in golf: “By sharing content on social platforms, they made golf easier to access… those influencers flipped that script.”

One spectator noted about golf influencers: “I think it brings a lot of new people to the game. The younger generations more involved in the sport.”

Courses and clubs have also embraced this shift. A communications manager at a golf club said: “Being active on social media is important because we are building a brand here…” Through social media, clubs reach not only golfers but potential new players and the casual audience.

On a strategic level, golf brands recognize social media’s power, as one brand pointed out: “Social is a very critical part to our business… If we’re bringing people closer to our brand, our products, our people, and ultimately to the game of golf, that’s a pretty awesome thing.”

In sum, social platforms have changed the golf industry’s storytelling, instruction, and participation. From influencers and viral videos to club marketing and equipment branding, golf has become more visible, relatable, and reachable. But the value lies less in the content’s virality and more in how thoughtfully it’s used to grow the game.