Why Gabby Golf Girl Believes Internet Invitational Was Major Golf Disruptor

One of the biggest, most influential golf tournaments of the last year didn’t happen at Augusta National or St. Andrews or any other top 100 course in between.

The Internet Invitational, hosted by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports, obviously doesn’t carry the same historic impact as the Masters or Open Championship, but the multi-day, made-for-YouTube tournament held at Big Cedar Lodge will further transform how younger generations look at golf.

In just over two months, the six-part series has generated more than 22 million views. The tournament, bringing together the biggest names in the golf creator space, left no doubt that YouTube golf is here to stay.

One of the biggest names in the space, Gabriela DeGasperis, better known as Gabby Golf Girl, was featured in the event, and she believes it’s just the start of something much bigger.

“I had a great time at the Internet Invitational and definitely hope to be invited back to play in the next event. I love that Barstool and BDS (Bob Does Sports) teamed up on this event,” DeGasperis told Newsweek in an email. “One of my first ever YouTube matches was with BDS on my channel and they have, in my opinion, one of the best golf content on social media.

“Combined with Barstool, they put on an incredible event that I think has not only disrupted YouTube golf, but I think it has disrupted the entire Golf world. This is clearly what people want to see more of.”

Few know that better than DeGasperis. Just 18, she already has more than 209,000 YouTube subscribers. Her most recent video, a showdown with 18-year-old PGA Tour sensation Blades Brown (who entered the weekend tied for the lead at The American Express with a second-round 60) had more than 100,000 views just seven days after it went live.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has already said he expects the Internet Invitational to return this year and already has his eye on getting Caitlin Clark and Kai Trump in the field.

With proof of concept very much in place, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Barstool and BDS build on the Year 1 success with an even bigger sophomore season. And while the field might not be set just yet, it’s safe to assume golf content’s biggest names — including DeGasperis — will be in the fold once again.

Gabby spoke with Newsweek while promoting her recent collaboration with TravisMathew. “When I think of TravisMathew, I think of golf lifestyle — not just a clothing brand,” she said. “And that is exactly the direction Golf is starting to move in. … YouTube/Social Media has definitely disrupted the golf space and TravisMathew leads perfectly in that direction as well.“