E22: Tee Time with BigDaws
On this week's City Limitless® Podcast, we had an incredible opportunity to kick off Season three from the stunning Las Sendas Golf Club! Joining us was none other than YouTube sensation-turned-golf entrepreneur Dawson Gurley, famously known as BigDawsTV. With over 11 million subscribers and a passion for pushing boundaries, Dawson's journey is truly limitless, and we even have a special giveaway to announce in this episode!
Before diving into all things golf and YouTube, Dawson shared how his journey began in Kansas but truly took off in Arizona.
He explained that the vibrant atmosphere of the ASU campus provided the perfect backdrop for his early prank videos, leading to countless memorable (and often hilarious) behind-the-scenes moments. Now, Dawson is deepening his roots in Mesa with Golfer's Dream, a luxury rental property inspired by the unique golf landscape. He envisions guests using it as a hub to fully immerse themselves in Mesa's premier golf courses.
From an 11-year-old inspired by other pranksters to commanding over 10 million subscribers, Dawson’s journey is truly remarkable. He pinpointed the moment YouTube transformed from a hobby into a career, explaining that the biggest misconception about full-time content creation is the relentless demand for fresh, engaging ideas. While his prank videos are legendary, Dawson is equally known for his incredibly heartwarming “giving back" series. He shared the profound personal impact of these moments, admitting that genuinely moving someone is more rewarding than making them laugh. Having navigated YouTube for over a decade, he's witnessed immense shifts in the platform and audience expectations. His strategy for staying relevant? Constant evolution and a willingness to rebrand, which perfectly led to the emergence of Dicey Golf. His key advice for aspiring YouTubers: consistency and authenticity are paramount.
Of course, we couldn't let Dawson leave without discussing the legendary “Fake Klay Thompson” phenomenon! This iconic persona rocketed him into viral fame and he vividly described what it was like to suddenly be mistaken for an NBA superstar. He took us through that unforgettable day at the Chase Center, detailing the hilarious (and ultimately banning) events that unfolded on the court. Dawson admitted he never anticipated it would go that far, and while he hasn't met the real Klay Thompson yet, the story remains a highlight of his incredible journey.
Dawson’s passion for golf extends far beyond content creation; it’s the driving force behind his fast-growing Dicey Golf channel. He shared what truly excites him about the game and the kind of engaging content viewers can expect. When playing at a premier course like Las Sendas, Dawson emphasized what makes the Mesa golf experience so unique: its stunning desert landscapes and unparalleled year-round play, making it a favorite. We also dove into one of his most persistent and epic golf challenges: hitting a hole-in-one over his own house. He revealed it took an incredible 85 days to achieve that monumental shot, driven by his relentless pursuit of the ultimate viral golf challenge.Dawson also shared that balancing the demanding life of a famous YouTuber with family requires strategic planning and a strong support system. He hopes his own unconventional career path inspires his children to think outside the box, embracing creativity and exploring unpaved career options.
Looking ahead, Dawson teased exciting new projects and ambitious goals for Dicey Golf, promising even more innovative content for his dedicated and new audience.After our incredibly insightful conversation with Dawson Gurley, it’s clear that Mesa continues to be the spot for groundbreaking creativity and unique experiences. Our sincere thanks to Dawson for sharing his incredible journey and insights. If you want to hear more about the hilarious and inspiring world of BigDawsTV and Dicey Golf, be sure to check out our full interview on the City Limitless® Podcast for more. You won't want to miss it!