Grant Horvat apologises to Michael Block after YouTube video sparks backlash

Grant Horvat has apologised to Michael Block after the ending of a recent Your Golf Tour YouTube video sparked widespread criticism from golf fans.

Horvat, one of YouTube golf's biggest creators, issued a public statement on X after viewers questioned the decision to include footage of Block visibly frustrated following his early exit from the opening Your Golf Tour event.

The new series, launched earlier this season by Horvat and the Bryan Bros, brings together some of the biggest names in golf content creation in a competitive team format. 

Block, the longtime teaching professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in California, was among the guests to take part.

However, it was the closing moments of the latest episode that dominated the conversation.

After being eliminated following just nine holes, Block was shown expressing his frustration on camera.

"Nine holes... are you f**king kidding me right now?"

The clip prompted criticism across social media, with many viewers arguing it painted the popular PGA professional in an unfair light and added unnecessary drama to the video.

Responding to the backlash, Horvat admitted the production team got the decision wrong.

"After reflecting on the Michael Block situation at the end of part two, myself and the team at YGT want to apologise," Horvat wrote.

Horvat explained the intention had been to capture the emotion and competitiveness of the new series rather than create controversy.

"Our intention was to show the raw emotion of what the YGT means, and how badly the participants want to perform well.

"Michael Block showed great leadership and brought a ton of team positivity, and we feel like that was highlighted throughout the entire video.

"Ultimately, we made a mistake by leaving the last segment in the video. For that, we apologise to Michael Block and anyone who did not find the clip tasteful or necessary.

"We do not want to garner attention through drama and controversy, but through high-quality golf. We are thankful for everyone's commitment and participation on the YGT, and they deserve to be portrayed in a more positive light."

The apology was largely welcomed by golf fans, although many maintained the footage should never have made the final edit.

Block, who turned 50 earlier this year, made his U.S. Senior Open debut this week, posting highly respectable rounds of 72, 70, 71 and 70 to finish tied for 31st at three-over par.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington successfully defended his U.S. Senior Open title at Scioto Country Club, finishing four shots ahead of Stewart Cink on 12-under par.

Harrington becomes only the fourth player in history to defend the title. 

The victory also marks the third U.S. Senior Open title and fourth senior major title of his career. 

Harrington has now won 12 times on the over 50s PGA Tour Champions circuit. 

PGA pro Block first rose to fame during the 2023 PGA Championship, where he captured attention as an "everyman" club pro by contending near the top of the leaderboard.

He made a stunning hole-in-one on the 15th hole when playing alongside Rory McIlroy in the final round at Oak Hill.

Block also competed in the PGA Championship at Aronimink GC earlier this season, but he narrowly missed the cut following rounds of 70 and 75.