You’ve seen the clip. A man in a bright polo, usually with a cigar or a cappuccino in hand, pointing a finger toward the horizon and shouting three simple words: "Let’s go golfing!" It’s DJ Khaled. Obviously.
But what started as a viral TikTok sound and a series of "major keys" for the fairway has morphed into something much bigger than a meme. Honestly, it’s basically become a cultural reset for a sport that usually takes itself way too seriously. While some traditionalists might roll their eyes at the music mogul’s eccentric presence on the green, there’s no denying that his obsession with the sport has brought a whole new demographic to the clubhouse.
The Viral Birth of DJ Khaled Lets Go Golfing
The "Let’s go golfing" phenomenon didn't happen by accident. Khaled Mohamed Khaled has always been a master of catchphrases—"Another one," "Major key," "God did"—but his pivot to golf in early 2023 felt different. It was authentic. Or, as authentic as a guy who gets a luxury golf cart gifted from Diddy can be.
The meme really took flight when Khaled began documenting every single aspect of his morning routine. It starts with the "morning glow," kisses for his wife and kids, and then the inevitable transition to the course. The phrase "dj khaled lets go golfing" became a rallying cry for his 35 million-plus Instagram followers.
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It’s hilarious because he treats a par-4 like a life-or-death mission. He talks to the ball. He talks to the grass. He talks to the "vibrations" of the universe.
One of the most shared clips involves him explaining the nuance between "Let's Golf" and "Let's Go Golfing." According to Khaled, "Let's Golf" is for "war"—when you're playing for bags (money) and using your PXG clubs to destroy your opponent. "Let's Go Golfing" is the lifestyle version. It's about the breeze, the cappuccino, and the "beautiful" energy of the morning.
Is He Actually Any Good?
This is the question every "real" golfer asks. If you watch his highlights, he’s always hitting it "right down the middle." But let’s be real: we’re seeing a highlight reel.
In late 2025, Khaled finally stepped into the ring with YouTube golf royalty. He played an 18-hole match against Grant Horvat, one of the most respected creators in the space. The match was pure chaos. Horvat gave Khaled a 20-stroke handicap, yet Khaled still tried to play him "straight up" at certain points.
Here is the truth about his game:
- The Drive: He has a surprisingly decent swing for a beginner, though he struggles with consistency. He’s obsessed with hitting it "right down the middle."
- The Short Game: He actually claims his "bump and run" with a 9-iron is his secret weapon. He calls it his "major key" shot.
- The Mentality: This is where he wins. He has 100% confidence. Even when he shanks a ball, he finds a way to call the recovery "beautiful."
He’s not going to be on the PGA Tour anytime soon, despite his jokes about "going pro." But he’s better than the average guy who picks up a club once a year. He plays every single day. That kind of volume usually leads to some level of competence, even if it’s wrapped in a lot of shouting.
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Why the Meme Matters for the Sport
Golf has a bit of an image problem. For decades, it’s been seen as exclusionary, quiet, and—let’s be honest—kinda stuffy.
Then comes Khaled.
He brings speakers to the course. He wears vibrant colors. He invites Fat Joe, 21 Savage, and Serena Williams to join him. When kids see rappers and producers they admire having the time of their lives on a golf course, the barrier to entry feels a lot lower.
In 2023, he launched the We the Best Foundation Golf Classic in Miami. He didn't just play; he raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for South Florida youth. Sean "Diddy" Combs famously showed up and dropped $150,000 for the cause. This isn't just about memes; it's about shifting the "country club" narrative into something that looks more like the community Khaled comes from.
Data from the SCGA (Southern California Golf Association) suggests that social media engagement with golf content is skyrocketing among non-golfers. People are twice as likely to use words like "fun" and "cool" to describe the game when they interact with personalities like Khaled. He’s making it okay to be a "bad" golfer as long as you have the right energy.
The Morning Routine and "The Calm"
For Khaled, dj khaled lets go golfing is less about the score and more about mental health. He’s gone on record saying the game "cleanses" him. He’s reportedly lost over 20 pounds just by being active on the course every morning.
"It’s so much more pleasurable... the nature, the sun. It cleanses me. It’s almost like going in the ocean without going in the ocean." — DJ Khaled to Us Weekly.
There’s a lesson there for the rest of us. Most people play golf and end up more stressed than when they started. Khaled does the opposite. He uses the walk from the tee box to the green to answer emails, handle business calls, and "find his calm."
He’s essentially turned the golf course into his office. A very loud, very expensive office with a cappuccino machine nearby.
The Gear and the "Bags"
You can't talk about Khaled's golf journey without mentioning the equipment. He’s a walking billboard for PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf). He often shows off his custom bags and clubs, usually emphasizing that his gear is "war ready."
But it’s not just about the clubs. It’s the fashion. The "Let’s Go Golfing" merch has become a staple in the streetwear-meets-golf scene. He’s bridging the gap between high-performance sports gear and the kind of stuff you'd wear to a recording studio.
He even hinted at a TV show titled—you guessed it—Let’s Go Golfing. While we haven't seen a full season yet, his YouTube channel and Instagram stories basically serve as a 24/7 reality show of his life on the links.
Actionable Takeaways from the Khaled Method
If you’re looking to get into golf because of the meme, or if you’re a frustrated golfer who needs a mindset shift, here is how to apply the Khaled philosophy:
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- Stop obsessing over the par. Most amateurs ruin their day because they aren't hitting like Tiger Woods. Focus on the "vibrations." If you hit one good shot in 18 holes, celebrate it like a Grammy win.
- Make it a routine. Khaled goes every morning. The health benefits come from the movement and the sun, not just the swing.
- Invite your "brothers." Golf is a social tool. Use the four hours on the course to build relationships or "handle business" like Khaled does.
- Invest in the "Let's Go Golfing" mindset. This means prioritizing the experience over the score. Get the cappuccino. Enjoy the breeze.
DJ Khaled might be the most "annoying" person to play behind if you're in a rush, but he’s arguably the most important person in the sport right now for anyone under the age of 30. He proved that you don't need a legacy connection to the game to own the course. You just need a polo, a positive attitude, and the willingness to shout at a ball until it goes into the hole.
To get started with your own golf journey, look for local public courses that offer "intro to golf" packages. Many cities now have "social" golf leagues that prioritize the fun and networking aspects that Khaled champions, rather than strict adherence to traditional country club etiquette.