YouTube Golf Fans Will HATE What Rory McIlroy Just Said

It’s safe to say Rory McIlroy is not a fan of YouTube golf.

It seems like only yesterday a curly-haired, chubby, freckled-faced, pale-skinned kid from Northern Ireland, donning Titleist clubs and a Jumeriah hat was dominating the PGA TOUR. Now, Rory is chiseled, greying, and aging, and it’s all showing through his latest comments.

The four-time Major winner does not seem to understand the hype around YouTube golf. The game is changing, and has significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Golf was basically the only thing people could do in a social setting, so the game exploded. However, PGA TOUR ratings have not, as fans of the game are looking for entertainment and not necessarily quality of play.

Rory doesn’t understand it:

“I’m not of that generation. I’d much rather watch pure competitive…I’d much rather watch this tournament on Saturday and Sunday than watch YouTube golf… I’m happy for the people that enjoy it, but I enjoy something else.”

As The PLAYERS nears and some of the bigger, more notable tournaments on the PGA TOUR also approach, the narrative around professional play vs. YouTube entertainment continues to chug along with plenty of momentum. There are differing opinions on each, but it is safe to say that Rory McIlroy might not understand the hype.

Players Championship > YouTube golf.

Full comments from Rory McIlroy. 👇 pic.twitter.com/js1pOpmcPf

— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) March 12, 2025

It is not for everyone, of course. However, there is no denying that YouTube Golf and content creation is undoubtedly gaining popularity. It’s why LIV Golf signed Rick Shiels to a deal, it’s why the PGA TOUR has established a Creator Council and has the Creator Classic each year.

Of course, it is tough to get excited about YouTube Golf when The Masters, the PGA Championship, or other notable events are going on. But there are also events that seem to push golf fans toward the YouTube space, where both quality golf and quality entertainment are available.

Cover Image via 101 ESPN