Connect with us

19th Hole

‘They can’t give it away’ – Latest viewing figures show worrying trend for LIV Golf

Published

2 years ago

on

LIV Golf wants a television deal.

Whilst there are almost unlimited reserves available from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, the investors are sure to see something tangible come from the countless millions that have been ploughed into making the sport golf, but louder.

A week ago, we reported that Apple TV had turned down the chance to broadcast the series, and that Sports business site, sportspromedia.com, commented that, “LIV Golf’s Saudi backing means it does not have to adhere to normal business practices for a sports property, with a focus on simply disrupting its rivals and making noise.”

They may not need the money, but with further investment into the likes of Open champion and former world number two Cam Smith, as well as Anirban Lahiri and Joaquin Niemann, both attracting new audiences in their native countries, LIV would certainly enjoy finally securing a nationwide television deal.

Given the status of the newer signings, Greg Norman and co. would surely have expected increasing viewing figures, but as the table below shows, they are struggling to get past the mean.

Crediting number-cruncher @Robopz, golf writer David Bieleski tweeted the comparison figures on Tuesday, headlining the post with, “They literally can’t give it away.”

Image

As can be seen above, an average of 90,000 viewers watched the inaugural US leg of the series, with a similar amount tuning in to Smith’s victory in Chicago last Sunday.

Sure, the event was up against the NFL, something few sports can compete with, but Robopz had earlier pointed out the low figures for the first two rounds:

Still, Norman and his chief media mogul, Will Staeger, continue to hold high hopes, letting everyone know negotiations continue apace – they are, by all accounts, in discussion with “virtually every major media company.”

It would be right to point out that the numbers doubled during Dustin Johnson’s play-off victory in Boston, but those figures are standout rather than the norm, even if Bryson DeChambeau says, “Over two million unique viewers watched. That’s pretty solid. Someone is going to take the dive on us.”

Golf is divided at present. Relationships between the ruling parties and between players themselves remain tense. It will take a strong media outlet to get involved, and while it may be “coming” (to use Bryson’s word), it isn’t here yet.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 179
  • LEGIT33
  • WOW14
  • LOL43
  • IDHT7
  • FLOP61
  • OB14
  • SHANK142

Related Topics:

19th Hole

LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you

Published

6 hours ago

on

Apr 26, 2024

By

On Friday morning, Ladies European Tour player, Hannah Gregg, took to social media to share her weekly expenses playing on the LET.

“Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour: Flights: $2600 Work Visa: $350 

  • Food: $377 
  • Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé 
  • Hotel: $0 because  @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week!  
  • Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car  
  • Gas: $165 
  • Entry Fee: $130 
  • Lounge Pass for caddie: $50 
  • Gym: $0 
  • Yardage book: $0 
  • Total expenses: $3672 

Made cut, finished 54th, total earned: $1244 Factor in 35% tax on earnings. To break even, needed to finish 24th. To make money, 21st. Guess we have our goals laid out for next event!”

When factoring in Gregg’s free housing, free caddie and free rental car, it’s evident that most LET players would have to finish well inside of the top-20 to make any money.

With ridiculous amounts of money being thrown around in professional golf these days, it’s important to remember the other side of the coin as well. There are countless professionals out there who struggle to get by on their golf salary.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 3
  • LEGIT2
  • WOW4
  • LOL1
  • IDHT1
  • FLOP0
  • OB0
  • SHANK2

Continue Reading

19th Hole

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

Published

1 day ago

on

Apr 25, 2024

By

After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 4
  • LEGIT1
  • WOW1
  • LOL2
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB2
  • SHANK5

Continue Reading

19th Hole

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

Published

1 day ago

on

Apr 25, 2024

By

As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 3
  • LEGIT0
  • WOW0
  • LOL3
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP2
  • OB1
  • SHANK6

Continue Reading

WITB

Whats in the Bag7 hours ago

Steve Stricker WITB 2024 (April)

Steve Stricker WITB accurate as of the Zurich Classic. More photos from the event here. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, C4...
Whats in the Bag9 hours ago

Alex Fitzpatrick WITB 2024 (April)

Alex Fitzpatrick what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.  Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura...
Whats in the Bag1 day ago

Alejandro Tosti WITB 2024 (April)

Alejandro Tosti what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic. Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees...
Whats in the Bag1 day ago

Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx) Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5 degrees)...

Facebook

Trending