YouTube golf is no stranger to A-list guests at this point. From Scottie Scheffler to the President of the United States, we’ve seen plenty of famous faces come and go over the last several years. Despite the parade of actors and athletes and rockstars that have dabbled in the YouTube golf world, however, there’s only been one King.
The King in the Court of Jesters
On October 9th, 2023, LeBron James scored 25, dished nine, grabbed six and swiped four in a 106-92 loss to the Sacramento Kings. It was a fitting debut for the single most-hyped prospect in NBA history, and a worthy preamble to one of the most legendary basketball careers ever. But if we were to pick James’ second greatest debut—from the Heat, to the Cavs (again), to the Lakers, to his silverscreen exploits—it would have to go this week’s YouTube golf bow with Bob Does Sports.
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LeBron James has worn many hats over the course of his NBA career. Superstar, super villain, cornball and old dog, but his appearance on BDS this week finds him in “one of the guys. Frankly, it’s shocking—for all his stardom and money—that he has retained that side of himself over the years. He’s not afraid to drop an F-bomb or two, talk about his favorite Wendy’s value menu order, make fun of himself and even break out a Euro step or two with FP, all while acknowledging that sometimes Jay-Z calls to tell him he’s about to drop his name in a track. It’s a heck of a tight rope to walk, but James does it incredibly well with the BDS crew providing the pitch-perfect platform for him to do so.
As soon as James picked up the sticks (about eight months before filming this video, he says), we knew he would eventually show up on a YouTube golf channel—he’s a consumate showman, after all. Now with the benefit of hindsight, we can say that BDS was the right pick.
There’s various reasons for that, but a big part is Bob himself. For all Robby Berger’s qualities as a host—self-deprecatingly funny, not overly camera dominant, that hushed speaking tone that makes you lean in—one he doesn’t get enough credit for is being a great interviewer who knows how to “read the cart.” He breaks the ice with fun stuff, like fast-food talk, so when it comes time to ask about the physical toll of James’ 23-year NBA career, it doesn’t feel like an episode of ’60 Minutes.’ It’s just two guys chewing the fat. As for the golf, well, by the standards of a typical BDS joint, it’s deemphasized here. FP sticks a few as always, James sinks a birdie a putt or two, but playing as a four-man best-ball scramble takes the pressure off and let’s the group work together as team. If you we’re hoping for an in-depth look at James’ golf game, practice routine or bag, you might come away wanting a bit more, but the reality is that James, despite being one of the greatest athletes to ever set foot on this planet, is a novice golfer. He even says 2026 will be the first year he’s watched the Masters. Yes, in his life.
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That’s not a bad thing, but it is emblematic of the golf’s changing landscape. In a strange way, the 41-year-old came to golf the way many Gen Zs and Gen Alphas have—not via Sunday PGA Tour coverage on NBC or CBS, but through YouTube’s side door. This video embodies that, and it’s perhaps why James is so comfortable in this setting. This, not the John Deere Classic, is the golf he “grew up with.” Where James’ golf journey goes from here is anybody’s guess, but as far as front nines go, we can’t ask for much better than this.
Quick Hits
Bryson DeChambeau
Ever wonder how the pros prepare for the Masters? Especially when they only play a handful of small-field LIV events between January and April? This week, Bryson DeChambeau gave us a peek with a trip to “Little Augusta”—AKA Texarkana Country Club—a course Byron Nelson once touted as a perfect warm-up for Augusta National. Will it pay off for DeChambeau this year? We’ll just have to wait and see, but it’s damn fine entertainment all the same.
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Good Good Girls
Good Good Girls has only been around for a few months now, but they crossed a big milestone of the list this week with the first hole-in-one in channel history. LOUD NOISES!!! But seriously, congrats to Marissa on the ace, especially considering it went down at Kapalua’s Plantation Course, which the PGA Tour deemed unplayable back in January. You show ‘em, girls.
Good Good Golf
Good Good Survivor rolls on this week with episode 2. This may not be your speed if you’re a golf hardo or are still mad at Mo for that whole rangefinder fiasco, but it sure beats rewatching ‘Lost’ for the billionth time.
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Peter Finch
The long road to Open Championship qualification has begun, and several YouTube sticks are getting in the mix this year. This week, Peter Finch continued his quest with a round at Lindrick Golf Club, which he has now selected at his Open qualifying course. If that sounds like your, ahem, cup of tea, then make sure to tune in.
Grant Horvat / Bryan Bros.
Last week Grant Horvat and the Bryan Bros. announced Your Golf Tour, a YouTube golf tour with a million-dollar championship to be hosted at Wynn Las Vegas. This week they’re doubling down on the whole “pro” thing with a trip to Torrey Pines for episodes one and two of their “Major Cut” series at the famed muni. Staying below the 2021 U.S. Open cut line at Torrey is no easy task, so come for the Pacific views and stay for the sweaty palms.
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Luke Kwon
If you’re a fan of Marvel movies, Luke Kwon’s new “Infinity Stone” series should strike a chord. In the series, Kwon will seek to determine the best golfer in his tight-knit New Zealand crew by playing five one-on-one matches against each member of the friend group. Like Thanos himself, however, each rival comes armed with an “Infinity Stone,” a power-up they can use against Kwon during their matches whenever they choose. If Kwon wins, he takes that power up with him as he climbs the ladder toward a showdown with three-time PGA Tour China winner Sam Vokey. It’s a fun concept set against the backdrop of some truly stunning New Zealand tracks, so give it a try.
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