A packed field of talent is out to compete and produce Creator Classic at East Lake
Garrett Clark, Brad Dalke, and Sean Walsh each bring their unique social styles and followings to the team.
Riding out the field, Daniel Saloner also known as the “Short Game King” secured his place by winning the 2025 Creator Classic Qualifier which was recently held at Creator Classic at East Lake. He was in action for a dramatic chip off the 18th which which we are also able to see again online. What we have here is a mix of returnees and new qualifiers that which in turn present the event’s unique mix of seasoned creators and up and comers which in turn brings to the table great story lines and wide appeal across the golf and digital spaces.
This year’s Creator Classic has put forth some great changes to get fans and players involved from the drop of the first ball. We see play out on the fields which are the 10th through the 17th at the famous East Lake Golf Club which is introducing an eight hole gross stroke play format. This may be less fields but what we see is a more intense test which puts large value on consistent play in which creators must balance fun with excellent performance. After the first eight holes play, the low four scores or their tied competitors will move on to a high pressure playoff on the 18th hole which is also a 2 time viral finish site.
In the 2025 season we see the introduction of a $100,000 winner take all purse which is a major change. This is heightening the competitive edge and raising the stakes for each play. We also see the introduction of a large prize which fans find very appealing and at the same time raises the profile of the Creator Classic which in turn attracts top content creators as passionate about the sport as they are about telling their story. Fans may see very fierce competition as creators go after both bragging rights and the large cash reward which will make every moment must watch.
Expanding Community: The YouTube Creative Community
This year we see the introduction of a special YouTube Creator Collective meet up which is taking place in association with the Creator Classic finals. As part of a global series put together by YouTube which is to do with building out better relationships between creators from all over the world. Over 50 content creators will come together at East Lake for a curated experience which includes interaction with peers, YouTube executives and PGA TOUR leadership. We see front row access to the Creator Classic, dedicated networking time and workshops on how creators are shaping the future of golf content both online and in partnership with the PGA TOUR itself.
By creating this atmosphere YouTube and the PGA TOUR are putting out that they are dedicated to innovation and inclusivity. “At YouTube we are rethinking the future of live sports and creators are at the heart of that change” says Angela Courtin YouTube’s vice president of Connected TV Marketing. We are seeing the growth of the next generation of golf fans at these meetups which also put forward how storytelling and community building takes golf beyond the course thus making the sport more diverse and culturally relevant than ever.
Onsite Excitement: YouTube Community and Fan Interaction.
At the TOUR Championship in East Lake we present to you the new “YouTube Clubhouse” which is a part of The Landing between the 16th green and 17th fairway. This is an immersive fan zone which includes swing simulators, comfortable seating, refreshments and interactive elements which bring together golf and digital content. Open from Wednesday through Sunday the Clubhouse brings to life the action of the Creator Classic for all in attendance which includes not only the fans that are there live but also those that may be watching online or on TV.
Premium Broadcast and Industry Partnerships
At East Lake The Creator Classic will be broadcast live on a variety of digital and traditional platforms which include the PGA TOUR’s YouTube channel, YouTube TV, GOLF Channel, ESPN+, and also a large array of streamers which are Pluto TV, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Prime Video, Fire TV, Tubi, Xumo Play, and LG Channels. We will see production that equals main stage PGA TOUR coverage which will include in depth ScoreTrack from ShotLink and in play tracking from Trackman which will be enhanced with drone technology. Commentating will be Shane Bacon with color support from Aaron Chewning and Hannah Aslesen, also we will have reports from the course by Paige Spiranac and Dan Rapaport.
The go to air will present logos and partnerships from which top TOUR sponsors AWS, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Coca Cola, Maestro Dobel, and Southern Company are a part and which will display the commercial value and reach of this new in which we are seeing in golf entertainment.
Reinventing the Future of Golf
At the end of the 2025 Creator Classic Series at East Lake which is a deliberate choice — one that bookends the PGA TOUR’s annual route to determine the FedExCup champion. By putting in the spotlight content creators which have introduced millions of new fans to golf over the season we see how tradition and innovation do in fact go hand in hand. “We are very thankful to the PGA TOUR, YouTube, and all our participating creators for helping us introduce what seems like a limitless number of new fans to the game of golf and also to these great content creators” said Chad Mumm co founder and president of Pro Shop which is behind much of the event’s production. 1
The Founder Classic is a moment of true cross over which puts the sport of golf on the map for new audiences while at the same time paying respect to the games’ great venues and competitive spirit. It’s not a tournament it is a celebration of the past and the future of golf which includes creators, fans, and tradition as we move forward.
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