Netflix’s ‘Full Swing’ Won’t Have Full Access to Ryder Cup Team Rooms

Netflix’s golf documentary series “Full Swing” will not have full access to the Ryder Cup.

U.S. captain Zach Johnson said he spoke to all 12 players on his team when concerns were raised about having a camera crew in the team rooms, and they decided unanimously to keep certain areas off-limits.

“Netflix will be there,” said Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America. “I would say anything to do with the team, we leave it to the team and the captain. I think there is a sacredness in the team room and the experience is important to them. That’s part of being a team, right? Netflix has been great for gaming. They are doing great things. The team has collectively decided that certain areas of confidentiality must be respected.

Netflix is ​​in production on the second season of the series which has been popular with golf fans and even those who haven’t paid much attention to the sport. Nielsen Media Research’s analysis of U.S. markets showed that 60% of viewers are between the ages of 25 and 54, and 63% of viewers watched the PGA Tour in the two months following the series’ debut.

The Ryder Cup, which begins the week of September 25 outside of Rome, would likely make up a large part of the upcoming “Full Swing” season.

But a few players were concerned enough about letting Netflix into Marco Simone’s team room that Johnson polled his players and they opted to keep the team room private.

“It was one of those where we all came together and I talked to each individual and presented scenarios,” Johnson said in a telephone interview. “And they all felt it was best to navigate this week of the tournament in a way that preserved the sanctity and sanctity of Team USA.” We eliminate scenarios.

A Netflix spokesperson declined to comment. Netflix generally does not discuss the potential content of a series currently in production.

Stefan Schauffele, Xander Schauffele’s father, said he first became aware of Netflix’s presence when he received a participation and benefits agreement in July, a month before the qualifiers ended. for the Ryder Cup.

“Besides the fact that the guys don’t get paid, you can’t make a deal with a third party that we’re not a party to for rights for eternity,” said Stefan Schauffele, who said his son had not signed the agreement without modifications. language.

The Americans and Europeans have a team room on the golf course and at the Ryder Cup host hotel, historically off-limits to media and other VIPs not directly involved in the matches.

Netflix has had extensive access to the players it profiled in the “Full Swing” series, in their homes and while traveling to tournaments. The first season was filmed in 2022 as golf was torn apart by defections to LIV Golf.

The PGA Tour released the results of a survey of the general population which showed that 42% of those who watched at least some of the Netflix series spent more time watching golf on television, and 36% have spent more time engaging with professional golfers on social media.

Justin Thomas, another captain’s pick who appeared on the Netflix series, said it was an easy decision for Johnson to eliminate any distractions.

“I just think there were maybe a few people who were a little skeptical, and it wasn’t even a conversation,” Thomas said. “We are all a team this week. All 12 were on board, so it doesn’t really matter.

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AP Golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf