The world of golf is abuzz with the latest news as many popular creators, including Paige Spiranac and No Laying Up, have joined the PGA Tour’s new Creator Council. The announcement has sparked excitement and skepticism, with many wondering what this new role entails and what it means for the future of golf coverage. But amidst all the hype, one important detail has been largely overlooked, the creators aren’t getting paid for their involvement.

In the latest episode of No Laying Up on YouTube, the hosts shed some light on what it means to be part of the Creator Council. “We’re not getting paid for it,” one of the hosts revealed. “It’s very low stakes.” Another host added, “I don’t feel like it doesn’t mean we’re not going to be critical… We’re not trading access for like good PR or anything like that.” As for what they hope to achieve through their involvement, one host noted, “I want to help like I have ideas for the tour, ways that you could make it easier for us to cover the game, which hopefully will help grow the PGA Tour’s audience.”

Despite the lack of financial compensation, the creators seem enthusiastic about the opportunity to provide feedback and help shape the future of golf coverage. As part of the Creator Council, they’ll be working closely with the PGA Tour to identify new ways to engage fans and grow the sport. While it remains to be seen what concrete changes will come out of this collaboration, one thing is clear: these creators are committed to speaking their minds and pushing the sport forward, even if it doesn’t come with a paycheck.

Paige Spiranac reflected on her remarkable journey, which began when she went viral in 2015, catapulting her social media presence and paving the way for golf content creators. Over the past nine years, she had shared her passion for the game with millions and was proud of the path she had forged in golf, as well as the growth of the industry, which had grown to boast numerous talented creators united by a common goal. She had felt honored to be part of the prestigious Creator Council and was excited to have contributed to the growth of the game.

Many even believe that the latest step by the PGA Tour will help attract a new generation and make them fans of the sport.

Is the PGA Tour Creator Council a new era of fan engagement?

The PGA Tour has taken a significant step in its efforts to grow its next generation of fans with the launch of its new Creator Council. This advisory group, comprised of popular golf content creators such as Paige Spiranac, Bryan Bros Golf, and No Laying Up, will provide valuable insights and feedback on how the Tour can better engage with fans who consume golf content on social media and YouTube. As Andy Weitz, the PGA Tour’s chief marketing and communications officer, explains, “The question then began, if we have a platform that creators want to come and participate on in that manner…can we develop a more persistent relationship, a dialogue, an ongoing opportunity to learn from them.”

The Creator Council will meet monthly to discuss initiatives such as the Creator Classic, a nine-hole tournament featuring top golf content creators, as well as broader strategies for fan engagement, collaborative content opportunities, and event enhancements. Weitz emphasizes that the Council is “a forum to have these discussions” and ensures that the Tour is “having an open-door, rotating approach” to understanding the needs and sentiments of its fans. By leveraging the expertise and influence of these creators, the PGA Tour hopes to tap into the growing demographic of young, digitally-savvy golf fans and build a stronger connection with them.