GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS – JULY 27: Barstool Sports commentators Frankie Borrelli and Trent Ryan look on from the 15th hole during the first round of the NV5 Invitational presented by Old National Bank at The Glen Club on July 27, 2023 in Glenview, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Barstool Sports and ForePlay Golf have announced two early commitments to the second annual Internet Invitational, which is expected to feature a pledged $10 million prize purse.
“I’ve invited two people so far,” owner of Barstool Sports Dave Portnoy said. “I don’t know how serious the yeses are. Caitlin [Clark] said yes. Kai Trump said yes. Those are my two that I’ve asked. Whether push comes to shove and those two are available to do it, who knows.”
Source: Sports Illustrated
Clark and Trump proved to be significant draws during the ANNIKA Driven by CoreBridge at Pelican last week, where their presence contributed to a tenfold increase in attendance during the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday rounds.
To date the six episodes of the Internet Invitational have accumulated approximately 23.5 million total views. Early episodes have nearly double the views of the finale, suggesting that the newer content has room to mature and reach its full potential. Viewership of the series eclipsed nearly every professional golf event in the 2025 season, excluding major championships and the Ryder Cup.
With the strong interest surrounding the inaugural event, Portnoy is confident he can raise the prize pool to $10 million with increased sponsor involvement for the sequel.
Portnoy has not yet announced additional participants, but as the owner of ForePlay Golf, it is likely that members Frankie Borelli, Trent Ryan, and Sam “Riggs” Bozoian will return. Champions Brad Dalke and Francis Ellis are also expected to defend their inaugural title.
FLOURTOWN, PHILADELPHIA – MAY 07: Erik Anders Lang swings over the ball on the 10th tee box, during the Creator Classic at Philly Cricket Club, prior to the Truist Championship at The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) on May 7, 2025 in Charlotte, Philadelphia. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
PGA TOUR
Several notable omissions from the first event could make worthy additions this time, including Golficity’s Mike Fasano; No Laying Up members Chris Solomon (“Soly”), Todd Schuster (“TC” or “Tron”), and Neil Schuster (“Neil”); Random Golf Club’s Eric Anders Lang; The Fried Egg’s Andy Johnson; Break80’s Mike Fore; Mr. Shortgame’s Matt Fisher; and Stinger King Zac Radford.
It also appears likely that the event will return to Big Cedar Lodge, with the venue’s website stating, “And hosting the inaugural event, Big Cedar Lodge continues to lead the way in bringing people together through nature, sport, and storytelling.”
Big Cedar Lodge features an additional unplayed championship 18-hole course, Ozark National, along with two par-3 courses, Top of the Rock and Mountain Top, as well as a Tom Watson designed putting course. A return in 2026 would provide fresh on-course visuals and variety for viewers.
Works Cited
“Dave Portnoy Says Caitlin Clark, Kai Trump Are in for Barstool Sports’ Internet Invitational Sequel.” Sports Illustrated, https://www.si.com/onsi/athlete-lifestyle/business/dave-portnoy-says-caitlin-clark-kai-trump-are-in-barstool-sports-internet-invitational-sequel.
“Big Cedar Lodge Internet Invitational $1 Million Dollar Golf Tournament.” Big Cedar Lodge, https://bigcedar.com/2025/big-cedar-loge-internet-invitational-1-million-dollar-golf-tournament/.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/break80/2025/11/20/two-new-participants-announced-for-second-internet-invitational/
