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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.

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19th Hole

Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf

Published

7 hours ago

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May 8, 2024

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On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.

“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”

Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.

“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”

While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.

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PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites

Published

7 hours ago

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May 8, 2024

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This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.

PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.

“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”

“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”

“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”

Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.

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Report: LIV star turns down PGA Championship invite due to ‘personal commitments’

Published

1 day ago

on

May 7, 2024

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On Tuesday, the full field for the PGA Championship at Valhalla was released. In some surprising news, a handful of LIV players were granted exemptions including Dean Burmester, Patrick Reed, Lucas Herbert and Adrian Meronk.

The most surprising omission was Louis Oosthuizen. The South African has been one of the most consistent players on LIV this season, and also won two DP World Tour events in the fall.

According to the AP’s Doug Ferguson, Oosthuizen was actually given an invitation, but declined due to “personal commitments”.

In total, there will be 16 LIV golfers teeing it up next week at Valhalla.

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