The bombshell has finally dropped and TikTok has gone offline in the US, just hours before a new law banning the platform was set to take effect. The app displayed a message to US users saying a law banning TikTok had been enacted, and as a result, “You can’t use TikTok for now.” As per the BBC, this move comes after concerns about TikTok’s links to the Chinese government, and the platform’s failure to sell to an approved US buyer by the January 19 deadline.

But here’s the twist – President Donald Trump has hinted that he might give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban once he takes office on Monday. Trump stated, “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it’s appropriate.” All that is fine and dandy, but how does this development have any effect on the world of golf you might ask?

Recently, Max Homa took to X to explain what he’ll miss the most amid the TikTok ban. In a humorous post, Homa bid farewell to the platform, saying: “If this is the end, shoutout to all the TikTok golfers. I’ll miss stalking all of you and trying to figure out if you’re cheating via editing. Was quite the nighttime hobby!” It’s clear that Homa, like many others, will miss the entertaining and often hilarious golf content that the platform had to offer. A fan replied, poking fun at one infamous TikTok golfer, “That Asian guy with super slow swing tempo but hitting it 300+ is the 🐐 of TikTok cheating.” Turns out Homa was one of the viewers of that certain TikToker as he wrote, “Not technically cheating, that dude just straight up lied. I can’t believe anyone believed that haha.”

It is clear that TikTok will be missed dearly among all golfers. Apart from being a platform for posting golf entertainment, it was also used for sharing quick tips and instructions to get better at the sport. Paige Spiranac comes to the forefront when it comes to this, leading her to spread interest in the sport to a new generation. So, how is this development being taken by golf content creators?

Local creators feel the pinch prior to the TikTok ban

The ban on TikTok in the US has left many social media influencers reeling, wondering how they’ll make ends meet without the platform. For creators like Chase Stetson, aka “That Lawn Dude,” and his friend Jordan Cloyd, aka “That Golf Dude,” TikTok was a game-changer. Stetson, who had 1.3 million followers, says “TikTok is the easiest platform to grow on because of the viral aspect of it.” Cloyd, who had around 50,000 followers, echoes this sentiment, saying “TikTok is a massive revenue maker. People have made their whole careers off TikTok.”

The ban has essentially stripped away their income instantly. As Cloyd puts it, “You’re just erasing tens of thousands of followers at the snap of a finger.” Stetson, who had managed to diversify his revenue stream on other platforms like Instagram and YouTube, still stands to lose a significant chunk of his audience. “If I lost TikTok, I’d lose a third of my audience,” he says. “My pitch to brands is less followers, less platforms.” Both creators are now focusing on building their presence on other platforms, but it’s clear that the ban has left them feeling uncertain and vulnerable. As Cloyd says, “I’ll find new ways to get creative, maybe another app comes along if it’s gone.” What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comment section below!