If there’s one thing we know about Rory McIlroy, it’s that he’s a PGA Tour loyalist through and through. But when it comes to the evolution of the game? Well, let’s just say he prefers to stick to tradition. Sure, he helped launch the tech-heavy TGL, but when golfers turn to social media to build their brand, he’s not exactly a fan—and he’s made that crystal clear more than once. Now, he’s thrown another jab at YouTube golf—this time while playing with 17-year-old Kai Trump.

The two teed off last month in La Jolla, California, and after Kai nailed a beautiful approach shot, McIlro couldn’t help but make a comment: “Good shot, Kai. You’re too good for this YouTube golf.” 

Was it a compliment? A subtle dig? Maybe a bit of both. Either way, McIlroy’s message was pretty clear. But Kai—who’s built a massive following of 1.06 million subscribers in just four months—wasn’t fazed. “Honestly, I think that’s what it is. I’m just too good,” she scoffed with a playful grin.

And she’s got a point. Like it or not, YouTube golf is booming, and she’s right at the heart of it.

Rory McIlroy isn’t letting go of his stance

If you’ve been following McIlroy for a while, you know this isn’t the first time he’s taken a jab at YouTube golf. Just this week, ahead of The Players Championship, he doubled down on his stance.

“I’m not of that generation,” he said. “I’d much rather watch pure, competitive… I’d much rather watch this golf tournament on Sunday than watch YouTube golf.” His take has stirred plenty of debate—because, to be honest, YouTube golf isn’t just some passing trend. Creators like Paige Spiranac, Grant Horvat, and Rick Shiels have brought a fresh, entertaining twist to the game, making it more accessible than ever. Even Bryson DeChambeau, a two-time major winner, has jumped on board, amassing 1.76 million subscribers with his most viral videos featuring big names like Donald Trump and Tom Brady.

That said, McIlroy does acknowledge that YouTube golf has its place. “But look, I would much rather sit down and watch real golfers play real tournaments and that’s just my opinion. That to me is more entertaining. But I understand that other people want something different and that’s totally fine as well. I think there’s space for all of this.”

Still, while McIlroy isn’t one to hold back on his opinions, he’s also been called out for being a little too stuck in his ways.

Rory McIlroy got called out by the YouTubers for his traditionalistic mindset

Not everyone in the YouTube golf community is just letting McIlroy’s comments slide—some are firing back, and they’re not holding back. Take Robby Berger, the guy behind the hit YouTube channel Bob Does Sports. He had a few words for McIlroy in an Instagram video, telling him to “bite his tongue”. “You don’t think that YouTube is competitive enough, Rory? Try being the first out of 10 in a 10-man scramble,” Berger shot back. “Lot of responsibility to show the nine guys behind me whether that putt’s going to break right to left, or left to right. You bite your tongue, McIlroy.” Ouch. His sarcastic but passionate reply pretty much sums up the ongoing clash between golf’s old-school crowd and the new wave of digital creators.

McIlroy’s comments come at a time when the PGA Tour is struggling while YouTube golf is blowing up. In 2024, the Tour’s Sunday broadcasts (minus the majors) averaged just 2.2 million viewers—a 19% drop from the previous year. Meanwhile, YouTube channels are pulling in millions of views, proving that golf fans are watching the game differently now.

Even Bryson DeChambeau, a two-time major champ, has jumped on the YouTube train, stacking up 1.76 million subscribers thanks to viral collabs with Donald Trump, Tom Brady, and other big names.

At this point, McIlroy may not love YouTube golf, but the numbers speak for themselves. It’s here, it’s growing, and it’s completely changing how people connect with the sport. And whether the old-school crowd approves or not, YouTube golf isn’t just a trend—it’s the future.