The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series is in the books. Greg Norman promised it would be disruptive and change the face of golf and, for better or worse, it did. But it was far from perfect.
I, like many, was eager to watch some of the world’s best compete in a slightly different arena, and while there were plenty of positives, even overlooking the dubious funding source, the upstart circuit has room for improvement ahead of the expanded 2023 league.
The numbers game
There really is no need to fudge the numbers, whether on-site or online. For all the hullabaloo – “this is golf, but louder” – nobody expected LIV’s product to draw in an army of fans immediately. That the new series already has a fairly steady number of admirers should be applauded. But don’t take curious onlookers for fools.
“It is really special out there… it’s jumping,” was uttered by David Feherty during the final round of the Team Championship. Neither appeared accurate. Fans there were; a smattering of noise there also was; but special? That’s not the impression I got.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
There were four groups on the course and, at various points, spectators seemed scarce. Again, there is nothing wrong with that. The controversial tour is in its infancy, and a lot of people are still struggling to get on board with the concept and the circumstances around its inception.
In time, it will establish itself further and gain more followers, but until then, it’s OK not to embellish so dramatically. It’s doing well, all things considered. Don’t be insecure about it.
The punditry
Perhaps one way to draw in more viewers would be to improve the punditry. In the interests of fairness, it did get better from London to Miami, but the bar was set quite low. Talk of “bouncy pins” thankfully subsided, as did the complete pandemonium when a player hit the green, but the broadcast still leaves a lot to be desired.
On the whole, there is a lack of insight provided below the surface level. Although when Phil Mickelson popped in for a stint on comms, things improved…
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