Young woman golfer smiling at sunset on a golf course while filming her swing on a smartphone mounted on a tripod

2026

The Rise of the Golf Influencer: How Social Media is Changing the Game

Infinite Fairway

January 11, 2026

The Rise of the Golf Influencer: How Social Media is Changing the Game

For decades, golf has carried the reputation of a sport steeped in tradition. But scroll through Instagram or TikTok in 2026, and you’ll find a new generation of content creators turning fairways into feeds and tee times into trending moments.

Welcome to the era of the golf influencer where reach, relatability, and real-time reviews are shaping not only what we buy, but how we play.

A New Kind of Role Model

Move over, PGA Tour exclusivity. Today’s rising golf stars aren’t always on the pro circuit—they’re on your screen. Influencers like Grant Horvat, Claire Hogle, and Micah Morris have built massive followings not just for their skills, but for their style, humor, and on-course creativity.

Whether breaking down gear, sharing swing tips, or just vlogging a casual 9-hole day, these influencers make golf feel accessible, authentic, and, dare we say… cool again.

Platforms That Drive the Movement

TikTok is dominating short-form golf content, with #GolfTok drawing over 2 billion views and growing.
Instagram continues to blend aspirational shots with reels—perfect for showcasing outfits, gear drops, and swing clinics.
YouTube remains the go-to for in-depth reviews, tutorials, and match-style content like “Breaking 75” or “3 Club Challenges.”

And let’s not forget the growing impact of Twitter/X threads that dissect everything from Rory’s bag setup to LIV Golf controversies in 240 characters or less.

The Influencer-Gear Connection

Golf influencers aren’t just entertaining, they’re driving serious sales. Brands now launch headcovers, balls, and even full club sets in collaboration with influencers who bring authenticity to product reviews.

At Infinite Fairway, we’ve seen firsthand how influencer trends affect resale behavior. When a top YouTuber plays a particular set of Mizuno irons or promotes a limited-edition headcover, searches spike, and sales follow.

Golf Meets Lifestyle

The modern golf influencer isn’t just focused on gear—they’re defining a lifestyle. Expect:

Course-ready streetwear collabs
Golf cart cinematic edits
Sneaker-style drops for limited edition balls or grips

This convergence has drawn in younger players, especially millennials and Gen Z, helping revitalize the game.

What This Means for Golf Retailers

Influencers have reshaped:

Consumer trust (reviews > ads)
Buying behavior (content-led discovery)
Brand building (aesthetic matters more than ever)

Retailers and resellers need to align with this culture—through curated listings, branded visuals, and even partnering with micro-influencers to share their story