YouTube Star Grant Horvat Explains Why He Rejected Chance To Play In PGA Tour's Barracuda Championship
The content creator was given a sponsor's invite into this week's co-sanctioned event in California but explained why he will not be taking up the offer


YouTube sensation, Grant Horvat revealed he has rejected the chance to compete in the PGA Tour's Barracuda Championship this week.
Horvat first shared that he was offered a sponsor's invitation into the opposite-field event during a video on his channel alongside World No.1 Scottie Scheffler in May, having previously admitted to Dan Rapaport that he held certain reservations over accepting a hypothetical exemption should one ever be offered.
During the match against Scheffler, Horvat pointed out that while he was excited about the prospect of experiencing competitive golf at the highest level, the content creator was aware he would be taking away a spot from an elite touring professional if he played.
In response, the three-time Major winner stated he was heavily in favor of Horvat teeing it up at Tahoe Mountain Club's Old Greenwood course, pointing out the YouTube star's standing in the game would ensure his appearance was mutually beneficial.
Scheffler said: "I get it, but I also don't get it. It's a sponsor's invite... You've done enough in the game of golf, around the game of golf to earn that spot. Just because you haven't shot the scores in tournament golf doesn't mean that you shouldn't be playing in the tournament.
"It's an opposite-field event that needs the exposure. There's a reason they're giving you the spot. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to take it if I were you."
Regardless of the World No.1's advice, Horvat posted a video on his channel on Tuesday explaining why he would not be a part of the PGA Tour's Barracuda Championship field in 2025.
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After thanking the sponsor's for their invitation, Horvat said: "The reason I will not be playing in a PGA Tour event is due to the rules and regulations around media rights and filming during tournament play of a PGA Tour event. Basically, that means I was not going to be allowed to film my round during tournament play.
"And for me, personally, doing YouTube for a living and wanting to document everything that I do. This is the reason we got the invite in the first place - because of YouTube and because of the amazing experiences that I get to share with you guys.
"But I am hopeful that sometime in the future, we will be able to play in a PGA Tour event - I don't know which one it will be, maybe it will be the Barracuda next year - and document and film the entire thing to share with you guys.
"I know what I'd be feeling, teeing it up at a PGA Tour event, and boy do I want that on camera."
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. 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…July 15, 2025
After Horvat had explained the reasons for spurning his PGA Tour chance, one half of Bryan Bros on YouTube and 2017 RBC Heritage winner, Wesley Bryan - who was suspended by the historic US circuit for competing in the LIV Duels competition earlier this year - jokingly posted on X.
He said: "My official comment on the Grant Horvat situation: "I am disappointed in the TOUR’s decision to not let Grant film the Barracuda Championship. Sincerely, Grant’s unemployed caddie."
My official comment on the Grant Horvat situation: I am disappointed in the TOUR’s decision to not let Grant film the Barracuda Championship. Sincerely,Grant’s unemployed caddieJuly 15, 2025
Horvat had previously appeared in and won the PGA Tour's Creator Classic ahead of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, later going on to play in the inaugural LIV Duels alongside the Bryan Bros and six members of the PIF-backed circuit.
Since then, the 26-year-old teed it up in June's BMW Charity Pro-Am on the Korn Ferry Tour but missed the cut alongside Andrew Kozan.

Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
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