Robby Berger dishes on YouTube Golf's future, playing with LeBron

Robby Berger, a former guest service manager, has become one of the most prominent figures in online golf. Despite not being a professional golfer, his engaging personality and the relatable struggles of his "Bob Does Sports" YouTube channel have garnered millions of views. Berger recently shared his insights on the evolution of YouTube golf, his journey to fame, and his experience playing with LeBron James in an interview on GOLF's "Drop Zone" show.

Berger humorously describes the challenge of explaining his profession to older generations. He often resorts to a simplified explanation, likening his work to a radio show with advertisements, or even stating he still works at the Four Seasons to avoid confusion. He notes that, unlike golfers like Max Homa who can simplify their profession to "real estate," the concept of making a living from YouTube content remains elusive to many.

Berger's interest in golf has grown in parallel with its increasing popularity among athletes and his peer group. He believes "Bob Does Sports" hit a sweet spot by launching videos during the COVID-19 pandemic when online engagement surged. A key to their success, he explains, is their relatable "hack" status compared to highly skilled professional golfers often featured on YouTube. While some perceive their struggles as intentional, Berger insists he is genuinely trying his best.

Having transitioned from interviewing celebrities to becoming a public figure himself, Berger has gained a unique perspective on fame. He finds it fascinating to observe how different individuals handle attention. Berger emphasizes his desire to maintain a sense of awe and excitement when interacting with prominent figures, such as playing golf with Max Homa or potentially LeBron James, and hopes such moments never lose their special quality.

Discussing the trend of YouTube golf, Berger acknowledges the immense interest and ponders its future growth. He has structured his career to be resilient, even if YouTube's landscape changes. While his producer expresses concerns about the sustainability of online content, Berger remains optimistic, believing the genre will continue to expand. He highlights the importance of creative innovation to keep content fresh, citing their "Internet Invitational" as an example of capitalizing on the large audience.

Berger finds genuine joy in his work, stating that creating content is what makes him happy. He has always been drawn to filming and producing, suggesting it's an innate part of him. However, he also recognizes the need for mental breaks from the business demands of content creation.

When asked about the pressure of filming with a high-profile guest like LeBron James, Berger admits to feeling it. He was determined to maximize their nine-hole session, preparing extensively for the encounter. He humorously compares his preparation for LeBron to that for the individual who killed Osama bin Laden, noting he spent significantly more time preparing for the latter, to the point where he felt capable of undertaking the mission himself.

Berger's wish list for future "Bob Does Sports" guests has evolved. Initially unlikely, the possibility of playing with figures like Michael Jordan now seems more attainable after experiencing a session with LeBron James. He expresses a strong desire to feature Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, but believes a guest appearance from Michael Jordan would be exceptionally entertaining.

Berger attributes the success of securing high-profile guests like LeBron James to the channel's authenticity. He believes viewers connect with their genuine enjoyment and relatable on-screen personas. He stresses that longevity in content creation comes from being true to oneself, and he hopes "Bob Does Sports" will continue to thrive by maintaining its genuine approach, having fun, and showcasing it positively, making anything possible and encouraging viewers to keep tuning in.