3 Things Grant Horvat Learned Playing With Max Homa (That You Can Actually Use)

When Grant Horvat teed it up against Max Homa at Pelican Hill, the idea was simple: start five under par and see if he could hang with a PGA Tour winner. We won’t spoil what happened but let’s just say Homa had one of the best rounds ever posted on Horvat’s YouTube channel.

Playing alongside Homa gave Horvat (and anyone watching) a front-row look at what separates elite golfers from the rest of us. The things he learned were more about rhythm, conviction and simplicity, not advanced swing mechanics or theory.

Here are three things Grant Horvat learned playing with Max Homa and how you can actually use them.

1. Great tempo doesn’t mean slowing down

Watching Max Homa swing up close, you may notice the same thing Horvat did. Every swing has the same rhythm. Whether it’s a driver, wedge or iron, it’s all identical in pace. He’s not trying to swing harder; he’s just staying completely in sync.

How you can use this:
Most golfers think improving tempo means slowing everything down but that’s not what Homa does. His tempo is consistent, not slow.

2. Commit like you mean it

Homa doesn’t play “safe” golf. He plays decisive golf. Even when facing a tight pin or a tricky lie, he picks a shot and fully commits: no steering, no second-guessing, no decelerating through impact. Horvat called out how clear Homa’s decision-making looked: quick plan, confident setup, full commitment.

How you can use this:
Many amateurs lose more shots from doubt than from bad swings. If you’re standing over the ball unsure, you’re already halfway to a miss. Pick your target, pick your club and swing like the decision is final.
When you commit completely, your body moves more freely and your swing sequence stays intact.

3. Keep your short game simple

When Homa misses a green, he gets himself right back into the hole. He does this with just a simple, repeatable motion. No fancy hinge-and-hold, no unnecessary wrist action. His chipping technique is compact, quiet and efficient. Horvat mentioned how “boring” those shots looked. Boring in this instance is a good thing.

How you can use this:
Simplicity equals control. Stick with one basic short-game setup and one reliable motion. Keep your wrists firm, weight slightly forward and let the club do the work. The goal is to eliminate the big misses. The best short games look uneventful because they’re built on repetition and confidence, not creativity.

Final thoughts

Grant Horvat’s content is entertaining but I like to take the opportunity to see professionals in a different setting. Getting some more insight into their game is one of the best parts of YouTube golf.