2024-04-12

Netflix’s Full Swing: Golf’s newfound entertainment factor and the Masters

Golf fans across the globe will be parked in front of the TV over the next few days as the Masters heats up, providing one of the best spectacles in all of sport. With the world’s best players competing for the green jacket, a new audience is taking notice alongside the sport’s traditional fanbase.

The second season of Netflix's fly-on-the-wall docuseries Full Swing landed last month, providing another round of drama and emotional twists from the top players on the PGA Tour. As we enter the weekend action of the Masters, we look at the ‘Netflix effect’ on the game.

THE NETFLIX EFFECT

Since the pandemic, participation in golf has continued to rise, with recent data reflecting a 90% increase in 2024 compared to 2019(1). Furthermore, golf has made huge strides in establishing itself in the entertainment world and is experiencing the ‘Netflix effect’, just like Formula 1 with Drive to Survive.

Research has shown that after the previous season of Full Swing aired, it attracted more than just the average golf fan. Not only did over a tenth (11%) of those who had not tuned into a PGA Tour event in the six months prior to the Full Swing debut finally watch live golf on TV, but over 40% of those people now watch golf more routinely than ever(2).

Golf is the next sport to experience this surge, with research showing 53% of F1 fans credited their interest in the sport to Drive to Survive, a Netflix series highlighting the behind-the-scenes excitement of the sport(3).

This ‘Netflix effect’ brings new fans to the sport who may not have previously appreciated its entertainment value, turning players into household names beyond sporting die-hards. It shows how platforms like Netflix can make all sports, including golf, more accessible and engaging for a broader audience.

Furthermore, 42% claimed they spent more time watching pro golf on TV after watching Full Swing(4), with 36% spending more time engaging with pro golf on social media after watching the show after its first season. If these stats are anything to build on, the second season is going to mean even more eyes on the Masters this weekend.

A YEAR OF TENSION

With the Masters now underway, another story brews: the clash between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

This iconic major is the first time since the Open last summer that both PGA Tour and LIV golfers come together on the same course. With conversations turning to who will come out top currently the odds sit with the PGA with Scottie Scheffler (29/20) as the favourite. Scheffler is closely followed by fellow PGA pro Max Homa (5/1) and LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau (27/5).

While the overall goal for all players will be to get their hands on the prestigious green jacket, those who have been keenly following the latest season of Full Swing will certainly also have their focus on the larger competition.