If you're tired of golf events that feel more like exclusive parties for the wealthy than genuine celebrations of the sport, then the Good Good Desert Open might just be your new favorite destination. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some see golf as a high-stakes, elite sport, others are redefining it as a relatable, inclusive game—and Good Good is leading the charge. Let’s dive into why this influencer-driven event is shaking up the golf world and sparking debates along the way.
The atmosphere at the Good Good Desert Open couldn’t have been more different from the WM Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am. Picture this: a grass parking lot buzzing with tailgate energy, casual barbecue vibes, and a crowd that feels more like your friendly neighborhood golf enthusiasts than a celebrity-studded elite gathering. This event, hosted by the YouTube-turned-golf-media-and-apparel sensation Good Good, is a breath of fresh air for fans who’ve grown disillusioned by the party scene dominating other tournaments. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the golf—it’s about creating a community where fans feel connected to the players on a personal level.
Take it from Adam Bonner, a 49-year-old Queen Valley resident who’s been to both events. He sums it up perfectly: ‘This is more of a true golf fan base rather than a party crowd with highfalutin rich people stuff. The Good Good guys are so intriguing because they’re very personable and down-to-earth. It’s like hanging out at a bar with friends talking about their golf round.’ This relatability is what sets Good Good apart, and it’s why their events are drawing in a new generation of fans.
On a Wednesday evening, as the WM Open’s attendees spilled over to Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, Good Good showcased what makes them unique. Their roster of young, social media-savvy golfers competed in teams of three on a par-3 course, with handicaps ranging from plus-3 to plus-8. But here’s the twist: these players aren’t just skilled—they’re also incredibly relatable. They embrace their mistakes, share their disappointments openly, and break down the barriers that often make golf feel exclusive.
Good Good’s journey began in 2020 with a group of talented amateur golfers in their twenties who filmed themselves tackling golf challenges and vlogging their experiences. Fast forward six years, and they’ve amassed over two million subscribers, launched a sportswear line, and now host live events where fans can watch their favorite creators compete in person. Their success isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about making golf accessible and fun for everyone.
Jacob Eisenhour, an 18-year-old Prescott Valley native who’s been playing golf since he was five, is a prime example of Good Good’s appeal. ‘Pro golf wasn’t very enticing to me when I was younger,’ he admits. ‘With Good Good, you get to actually know the players as people, not just figures who make a ton of money.’ This personal connection is what keeps fans coming back and is a stark contrast to the polished, distant image of traditional golf tournaments.
Even longtime PGA watchers like Dana Hagen, a 60-year-old former high school golf coach from Washington State, are starting to favor Good Good’s casual, low-stakes vibe. ‘At Good Good, there are some bad shots. You want to see some mistakes,’ he says. This authenticity resonates with fans who crave a more human side of the sport.
But as Good Good continues to grow—sponsoring their first PGA Tour event, the Good Good Championship, set to debut in Austin, Texas, this November—they’re walking a fine line. How do they maintain their relatability while appealing to the traditional golf establishment? Their new brand campaign, ‘There’s More to Golf,’ aims to do just that, emphasizing inclusivity and positioning them as a serious player in the mainstream golf space. Yet, some fans worry: will they lose what makes them special in the process?
Good Good CEO Matt Kendrick addresses this in a statement: ‘Our goal is to bring a new dimension to the brand beyond just ‘YouTube content,’ legitimizing it to traditional retailers and audiences who may have been skeptical.’ But the real question is: can they strike the perfect balance? And this is where you come in—do you think Good Good can maintain its authenticity while expanding into the professional golf world? Let us know in the comments!
One thing’s for sure: Good Good is inspiring a new generation of golfers. Katie Paulson, a golf instructor in Gold Canyon, noticed a surge in new players during the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with Good Good’s rise. ‘Watching how these players practice and play gets them motivated,’ she says. ‘The kids have to be able to grow the game. That’s the only way this sport will survive.’
So, is Good Good the future of golf? Or just a passing trend? One thing’s certain: they’re challenging the status quo and making waves in the process. What’s your take? Are they revolutionizing the sport, or just another flash in the pan? Share your thoughts below!
