YouTube golf star Grant Horvat is backing out of his PGA Tour debut. How come?
Horvat received a sponsor's invitation in April to compete in the California tournament, which will run opposite the Open Championship in Northern Ireland this weekend.
He released a statement to social media on July 15 stating that he declined the invitation because he could not film the round and publish it to his YouTube account, which has 1.38 million subscribers and regularly draws more than a million views per video.
"Unfortunately I will not be playing in a PGA Tour event. The rules and regulations around PGA Tour tournament play will not allow us to film," Horvat said. "The only reason I was in the position to receive an invitation like this is because of YouTube and you all watching the videos, so if I'm going to play, we want film it.
"I am hopeful that this won't always be the case. I would be honored to play in a PGA Tour event and bring you all along in the future. Huge thank you to the Barracuda for the invite and belief in YouTube golf.
More: How Grant Horvat fared in pro tournament at Jupiter's Abacoa Golf Club
Horvat's decision to reject the sponsor's invitation has proven controversial, particularly since it goes against advice given to him by Scottie Scheffler, the world's No. 1 golfer.
The pair played a round together for a video that was published on May 6 via Horvat's channel. Scheffler encouraged the YouTuber, who was wrestling with the decision, to play because he'd earned the chance and would ultimately help the Barracuda Championship.
"It's an opposite-field event that needs the exposure," Scheffler said in the video. "There's a reason they're giving you the spot. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to take it if I were you."
The initial decision to invite Horvat to play the Barracuda Championship also drew scrutiny as it came within days of the PGA Tour's banning of longtime pro Wesley Bryan over his involvement in a YouTube video with LIV Golf.
Where did Grant Horvat go to college, high school?
Horvat, 26, moved from Michigan to Florida shortly before his 15th birthday and joined the South Fork High golf team ahead of his sophomore year. He was a first-team All-Area selection in 2015 and 2016.
The son of a PGA professional, Horvat played collegiate golf at Palm Beach Atlantic from 2017-21 before moving into content creation as a full-time endeavor. He has since recorded golf videos with top professionals like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, John Daly and many more.
Horvat, an amateur, won the PGA Tour's Creator Classic at TPC Sawgrass in March in the days prior to The 2025 Players Championship.
He has also played in minor professional events in South Florida on the Minor League Golf Tour. Horvat shot 72 and tied for 25th in an event at Jupiter's Abacoa Golf Club on March 18, taking home $140 for the finish.
In January 2025, Horvat signed a deal with Finnish brand Takomo Golf to become a company shareholder.
Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@gannett.com.
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