Golf's turf war is set to go digital after it emerged LIV's rebel players may not feature in any second season of Netflix's 'Full Swing' series.
Athletes from both competitions starred in the inaugural season of the docuseries—which aired earlier in February—charting the rift that emerged between golf's biggest names. However, the Daily Mail has reported the PGA Tour 'issued an ultimatum' to Netflix bosses in an attempt to strong-arm the streaming giant into ignoring LIV's defectors.
It's also understood LIV has not received any requests from Full Swing's creators to cover any of its events despite the Saudi-funded breakaway beginning its new campaign in Mexico on Friday. That's allegedly got some in the LIV Golf League concerned they won't be involved in any coverage if a second season does get approved.
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Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson was the flagship name who spearheaded the LIV insurgence, followed by major players like Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia. Johnson and Koepka are among the more prominent figures in the first season of Full Swing, while Englishman Ian Poulter also features heavily.
The long-term future of LIV golfers in the major competitions remains uncertain, though some competitions have confirmed their doors will be open to all in 2023. The Masters confirmed late last year that those on the breakaway's books would be permitted, while The Open will also accommodate any rebels who qualify to play.
It's understood Netflix's cameras were following Max Homa at the recent Waste Management Phoenix Open, sparking rumours a second season of Full Swing is indeed in the works. The Daily Telegraph also quoted one unnamed golfer from the Arizona contest, who reportedly suggested it will be "just the Tour players" in front of the cameras next.
“The LIV stuff was the best thing about Full Swing and it’s far from run its course, as you can see by all the headlines this league is still grabbing,” said the anonymous contributor. “But it looks like it’ll just be Tour players getting the airtime now.
“You’d think the Tour would want to back its product and make hay from the high profile the sport currently has. And you’d have to ask yourself why this is? Maybe Netflix will just feature the LIV guys at the majors.”
Rory McIlroy also made an appearance in Full Swing's opening salvo despite his original plans to avoid the camera's gaze. However, the nine-time world No. 1 went back on that decision after becoming one of the most outspoken figures against the LIV exodus.
