MIAMI, FL — As LIV Golf returns to the iconic Blue Monster at Trump National Doral this week, it’s not just the competition heating up—innovation is taking center stage. In a Thursday press event that felt more like a comedy show-meets-sports summit, LIV unveiled “The Duels,” a first-of-its-kind content-driven showdown between elite professional golfers and some of the biggest names in the golf creator universe.
Set to air Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET on Grant Horvat’s YouTube channel, The Duels represent a fresh chapter in golf’s evolving narrative, where digital influence, pro-level talent, and entertainment collide—on the same legendary course where the pros are battling it out in tournament play.
On the press stage sat an eclectic but electric group: two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, 2022 Open Champion Cam Smith, global golf YouTube star Rick Shiels, and crowd favorite Fat Perez from Bob Does Sports. Each brought their own brand of swagger and silliness, but make no mistake—this is serious business when it comes to the future of the sport.
Pros Meet Personalities: A Format Made for the Digital Age
The Duels will feature six pro-creator teams squaring off in a nine-hole scramble format. Pairings include:
• Rick Shiels & Joaquín Niemann
• Bubba Watson & Luke Kwon
• Sergio Garcia & George Bryan
• Phil Mickelson & Grant Horvat
• Dustin Johnson & Wesley Bryan
• Cam Smith & Fat Perez
“This has never been done before,” said Rick Shiels, the most-followed golf content creator in the world. “It’s not just about laughs—we’re bringing together two different worlds that share a love for the game. I’m just hoping Joaco can carry me for nine holes.”
Watson, a veteran of the game and captain of RangeGoats GC, sees this crossover as both innovative and necessary. “When you combine athletes and creators—some good golf, some bad golf, and a lot of hilarious comments—it’s going to be pretty good for TV… or YouTube.”
Entertaining, But Still Competitive
The lighthearted tone of the press event never masked the competitive edge. With five major champions involved, and top-ranked LIV players like Joaquín Niemann and Dustin Johnson in the mix, the creators will have their work cut out for them.
Cam Smith, captain of Ripper GC, acknowledged the uniqueness of the experience while remaining focused. “It’s a good way to lighten the mood before a major, but this course is no joke. You can’t fake your way around Doral.”
Fat Perez, known for his smooth swing and smoother cocktails, echoed the sentiment with his signature self-deprecating humor: “I just need to hit some approach shots close. Cam’s the best putter in this field—on either side.”
Their chemistry was evident throughout the presser, trading laughs and even sharing stories of fishing off the 1st green the day before. “We got some bites,” Smith grinned.
More Than Just a Scramble: A Statement About the Future of Golf
While The Duels is all about fun, its larger purpose is clear: grow the game by making it accessible, relatable, and shareable.
“Golf is in a beautiful spot right now,” said Watson. “It’s getting younger. My kids are into it now because of the colors, the teams, and because they’re watching these creators.”
Smith added, “It’s about getting clubs in kids’ hands and showing the fun side of golf. This kind of content does that.”
And indeed, the creators have the audience to back it up. Between the Bob Does Sports crew, Horvat, Shiels, and others, the social reach spans tens of millions—a figure that rivals traditional sports broadcasting.
The Duels is a showcase of what makes golf unique: the only major sport where amateurs can truly share the stage with world-class pros.
“You can’t go one-on-one with LeBron,” joked host Jason Zone Fisher. “But in golf, you can actually compete side-by-side—and that’s our superpower.”
Behind the Scenes: Nerves, Strategy, and… Shoeys?
Despite the banter, even seasoned creators like Shiels admitted to nerves. “I could barely get the tee in the ground playing with Bubba,” he laughed. “You grow up watching these guys, thinking they’re superheroes.”
For some, like Fat Perez, it’s all about balance. “My golf bag’s heavier today—it’s full of snacks. I know where every concession stand is, and I planned accordingly.”
And yes, there will be shoeys. “If we win,” Smith said, “we have to do one. It’s a Ripper tradition.” Perez quickly added, “I’ll do one win or lose. Maybe one per birdie.”
The Bigger Picture for LIV Golf Miami
The Duels isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a calculated move by LIV Golf to showcase its fan-first philosophy. It complements an already stacked event weekend that includes:
• Elite team and individual play on the Blue Monster
• Free parking and shuttles from Miami International Mall
• A live concert by Sublime on Saturday night
• Interactive Fan Village experiences like the Riyadh Air Winged Long Putt and Beach Ball Soccer Chip Challenge
In short, LIV Golf Miami is delivering more than just a tournament—it’s curating a cultural moment.
Where to Watch
Catch The Duels on Saturday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET exclusively on Grant Horvat’s YouTube channel. Expect laughs, memorable shots, and a rare blend of pro precision and creator chaos—all unfolding on one of golf’s most demanding tracks.
As LIV Golf continues to push boundaries, The Duels is a bold step toward connecting with the next generation—one birdie (or shoey) at a time.
Video Photo Credit: Fox Sports
By Angel Martinez | LIV Golf Correspondent
