Think you know who’s dominating the golf world? Think again. While professional golf’s power rankings are a hot topic, there’s a whole other universe of competition brewing on YouTube—and it’s fiercer than you’d imagine. Every week, creators are pushing boundaries with Open qualifiers, match-play showdowns, stroke-play championships, and break-70 challenges. But here’s where it gets controversial: Who’s really improving, and who’s just talking the talk? That’s where the YouTube Golf Power Rankings come in, breaking down the data every two weeks to reveal who’s climbing, who’s slipping, and whose handicap is telling the truth. And this is the part most people miss: it’s all powered by Handicap Tracker, a platform born from a fan’s skepticism and now tracking over 100 YouTube golfers daily. But is it fair? And who’s truly deserving of the top spot? Let’s dive in.
Handicap Tracker: The Story Behind the Numbers
It all started with a simple question: Are these YouTubers really as good as they claim? Jamie, the founder of Handicap Tracker, was a loyal fan of the Fore Bros, following their journey from beginners to supposedly low-handicap golfers. But when their claimed handicaps didn’t match their on-screen performance, Jamie took matters into his own hands. He began tracking their scores, calculating accurate handicaps, and sharing the results on a leaderboard. Word spread like wildfire, and soon, creators like Grant Horvat, Rick Shiels, and even Bryson DeChambeau were added to the mix. Today, Handicap Tracker (https://handicap-tracker.com/) is a full-fledged platform, updating handicaps daily and giving fans a transparent look at every player’s progress. But does this level of scrutiny help or hurt the creators?
The Latest Movers and Shakers
- Luke Kwon: Posted an impressive -5 through nine holes in a 2v2 match, inching closer to his +5.4 peak from last year—despite a missed weekend in Open qualifying. Is he back on track, or is this just a temporary spike?
- James Robinson: Fired a stunning -7 at S&A Golf Club, leaping into a tie for 11th and knocking on the Top 10’s door. Can he sustain this momentum?
- George Bryan: Delivered back-to-back -4 performances at Teeth of the Dog in the Bryan Bros vs Good Good Strokeplay Championship. Consistency or luck?
- Chris Kromlidis: Shot -3 at Woodlands on the Australian Sandbelt, a nine-hole performance that boosted his standing. Is this the start of a breakout season?
- Grant Horvat: Came close to his lowest round ever with a -3, moving his handicap and climbing the ranks. How much lower can he go?
- Ryan Ruffels: Shot -4 through 16 holes in a 1v1 match, closing the gap on the Top 3 since joining the leaderboard. Is he the dark horse to watch?
- David Gapes: Broke 40 through nine holes with a 2-over round at Ledge Point, a clear step forward. Small win or sign of bigger things?
- Kyle Berkshire: Shot -1 through nine at Arroyo Trabuco against Michael Block. Solid performance, but is it enough to stay competitive?
- Sara Winter: Carded 6-over at Emirates (Majlis) in the Creator Dubai Desert Classic. Tough day or part of a larger trend?
- Sam Heung Min: Won his Last Man Standing match with a -1 through nine performance against fellow NZ creators. Local hero or global contender?
The Bigger Question: What Does It All Mean?
As the YouTube golf scene grows, so does the debate. Are these rankings a fair reflection of skill, or do they add unnecessary pressure? Does the transparency of Handicap Tracker elevate the sport, or does it turn friendly competition into a cutthroat race? And most importantly, who do you think deserves the top spot? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
