You might recognize the Rocket Classic’s newest participant more from his social media exploits than his golf career.
Brad Dalke from the popular YouTube channel “Good Good” recently received a sponsor invitation from the Rocket Classic, which is taking place at Detroit Golf Club from July 30 – Aug. 2. That will allow Dalke to join the field of competitors in Detroit and allow the Classic to help connect with a new audience of online golf fans.
“I couldn’t be more excited to make my PGA Tour debut at the Rocket Classic while representing Good Good Golf,” he said in a statement. “Coming back to Detroit 10 years after competing in the U.S. Amateur makes this even more special. I’m grateful to the leaders at Rocket, the Rocket Classic and the PGA TOUR for recognizing how golf is evolving and for embracing new ways to connect content creation with the professional game.”
Dalke, 28, is an accomplished golfer in his own right, helping lead Oklahoma to an NCAA title in 2017 while earning an invitation to the 2017 Masters Tournament and 2017 U.S. Open. He is also scheduled to play in the PGA Tour’s Good Good Championship in Austin, Texas, from Nov. 12-15.
In the social media realm, Dalke was part of the winning team in the third Creator Classic at Philadelphia Cricket Club and won the fourth Creator Classic at East Lake in Atlanta. In addition, he led his team to victory in the inaugural Internet Invitational, which drew millions of view as popular social media figures competed for a share of $1 million.
Good Good has 2.1 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.1 million followers on Instagram, making it one of the most popular golfing influencer groups in the world.
“We’re always looking for ways to connect with new audiences in Detroit and continue building one of the most fan-friendly events on the PGA Tour,” said Rocket Classic director Mark Hollis. “Brad has made a tremendous impact both on the course and through the way he connects with fans across different platforms. He’s a proven competitor, an engaging personality and someone who reflects where the game is headed.”
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Brad Dalke, social media star, invited to compete at Rocket Classic
Reporting by Christian Romo, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
