Grant Horvat Rejects PGA Tour Invite Over Filming Rules at Barracuda Championship

In a move that’s as bold as a hole-in-one on a par five, YouTube golf sensation Grant Horvat has turned down a sponsor’s exemption to the Barracuda Championship. Why? It’s all about staying true to his roots—and his camera crew. Horvat, with a whopping 1.4 million subscribers on YouTube, has made a name for himself by documenting every swing, miss, and victory alongside golf giants like Scottie Scheffler and Phil Mickelson. But when the PGA Tour barred his team from filming inside the ropes during the tournament at Tahoe Mountain Club, he politely said, "Thanks, but no thanks."

Horvat explained his decision in a heartfelt video to his fans, emphasizing that his YouTube channel—and the raw, unfiltered experiences he shares—is the very reason he got the invite. "I want to document everything I do," he said, underscoring that playing without cameras just isn’t his style. It’s a stand for authenticity over opportunity, a choice that resonates with his nearly one million Instagram followers as well.

While the PGA Tour might have seen this exemption as a chance to tap into a younger, digital-savvy demographic, Horvat prioritized his community over the spotlight. He’s hopeful for future opportunities where he can both compete and capture the moment, sharing the electric nerves of teeing up at a Tour event with his audience. For now, though, the cameras stay off, and so does he—at least at the Barracuda, which coincides with The Open Championship and lacks some of the sport’s biggest names this week.

Interestingly, the PGA Tour has been dipping its toes into the content creator pool lately with events like the "Creator Classic." But for Horvat, it’s not just about playing the game; it’s about bringing his fans along for the ride. And if that means passing on a PGA event, well, that’s a divot he’s willing to take.