‘This Is a Joke’: PGA Tour Brutally Ridiculed as Ignoring Creators Over LIV Golf Ties Unsettle Fans

Does the PGA Tour have a problem of favoritism? The PGA Tour’s embrace of digital producers through tournaments like the Creator Classic was seen as a bold attempt to revamp golf’s image in a sport with a rich history. Recent events, however, suggest a selective strategy, particularly concerning ties with LIV Golf.

The 2025 Truist Championship will take place at The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course from May 7 to 11. It will feature a Creator Classic tournament, which will include well-known YouTubers and golf influencers. However, the exclusion of creators associated with LIV Golf has provoked controversy and prompted inquiries regarding the inclusion of the tour. Let’s dive deeper into why fans are calling out the PGA Tour for seemingly playing favorites at one of its flagship events.

Fans Ridicule PGA Tour After Shunning Creators Tied to LIV Golf

Prior to the Truist Championship, the PGA Tour will host the Creator Classic, a tournament that combines traditional golf with digital entertainment. Four teams, each consisting of two golf content makers and a well-known YouTuber, will compete in an alternate shot or Foursomes, gross score format from holes 10–17. On the 18th hole, the top two teams will then compete in a sudden-death playoff. Notable participants include Captain Nadeshot, Josh Richards, Tyler Toney, Marques Brownlee, Paige Spiranac, and others.

Although the goal of the effort is to attract a younger, tech-savvy audience, the PGA Tour’s decision to ban creators affiliated with LIV Golf has drawn criticism. The PGA Tour recently gave professional golfer and content producer Wesley Bryan an indefinite suspension for taking part in “The Duels,” an influencer tournament hosted by LIV Golf. Bryan, who has more than 550,000 subscribers and a sizable internet following, said he is disappointed and intends to challenge the suspension.

Fans have questioned the PGA Tour’s intentions as a result of this judicious selection. The Tour seems to be walking a tightrope between modernizing and upholding old ties by accepting some creators and excluding others because of their associations. The action has spurred a wider discussion regarding the organization’s dedication to diversity and the changing professional golf scene. While the controversy around exclusions heated up, the chosen lineup sparked even more intense reactions across social media.

Fan reactions to the creators’ team lineup

Fans have responded to the PGA Tour’s strategy in various ways, with many venting their frustration on social media. “Sorry but this isn’t it,” said one user, expressing the opinion that the roster for the event is unauthentic and does not adequately reflect the variety of opinions within the golf community. “This is a sad lineup, tbh,” said another, implying that the makers’ choices do not appeal to the larger fan base. This remark highlights the absence of popular creators like Grant Horvat and Rick Shiels, whose associations with LIV Golf may have contributed to their exclusion from the event.​

The lack of diversity in the selected influencers has also been criticized. One admirer remarked, “God forbid they mix it up and bring in some new creators to the field,” drawing attention to the picks’ repetition and the lost opportunity to include new artists. This points out that the previous Creator Classic, held just a couple of months ago, featured many of the same participants. This perceived stagnation has led to accusations that the PGA Tour favors specific creators while sidelining others who could bring fresh perspectives and attract new audiences.

For fans who believe the event is more of a publicity stunt than a genuine attempt to engage with the community, the comment “This is a joke 🤣🤣🤣” aptly captures their dissatisfaction and incredulity. Finally, the direct remark “Nobody watching this nonsense” highlights the possible discrepancy between the audience’s expectations and the PGA Tour’s aims.These responses highlight a rising belief that the PGA Tour’s modernization initiatives could be insufficient, especially if they are seen as performative or exclusive. In order to connect with both new and devoted golf fans, the organization must maintain authenticity and diversity while navigating the difficulties of incorporating digital producers into conventional golf events.