LIV Golf Invitational Series began its second season at Mayaboka this week with a lot of anticipation. With new members joining and some old members changing teams, Greg Norman would have expected to get high returns. However, all he got was a disappointment.
This year, Norman tried to turn things around by signing a huge deal with the TV network CW. IT was a milestone for the Saudi-backed circuit. The shark’s expectations were that this deal would bring back the numbers better than before and the 2023 season would be a great success. But, sadly for the LIV CEO, the TV ratings are utterly disappointing, which has given fans open ground to fire shots at the breakaway league.
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LIV Golf touches a new low
The LIV Golf League’s debut on The CW network television had shockingly low ratings, according to the recently released LIV Series TV rating.
The league’s initial season was streamed on YouTube, but LIV Golf sought to expand its brand by securing a TV deal with The CW. The network broadcasted the LIV Golf Invitational Mayakoba event, but unfortunately, the results were worse than expected.
via Reuters
Golf – The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – Centurion Club, St Albans, Britain – June 8, 2022 Team Hy Flyers Phil Mickelson of the U.S. during a press conference Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
The Mayakoba event received a low rating of 0.2 for its network TV debut in the 26 measured markets, which means only 0.2% of the measured households watched the golf broadcast. This was particularly disappointing when compared to another program on The CW, such as World’s Funniest Animals, which drew more viewers on the same day.
Oof: 0.2 overnight rating for LIV golf in the 26 metered markets that carried it on CW.
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) February 26, 2023
The golf fans think it’s a justified rating as nobody likes the Saudi-backed circuit. Moreover, they also feel that the players’ casual attitude on the course is very disappointing.
Nobody likes LIV. The people that defend it online don’t either. They’re just contrarians that love disruption. They politicize it as PGA = woke and fight online with people about something they never intend to patronize. They think it’s owning the libs. They’re finding out.
— Anthony 🎸🦬⚔️🏌🏻 (@anthonyonguitar) February 26, 2023
I'm watching LIVGolf and it's borderline ridiculous. Dudes casually playing weekend rounds in shorts once a month with no pressure or motivation while earning piles of cash.
I mean it's a good gig if you can get it but man pretty unwatchable#LIVtour #LIV #pgatour
— Birdie 18 (@Birdie18th) February 26, 2023
@AlanShipnuck you may be the only person following and or watching the LIV vomit golf. Can it be more irrelevant? I’m assuming 0.2 is not what @SharkGregNorman was hoping for? @ChaseKoepka should be thrilled nobody is watching after the number he put up yesterday.
— David Schultz (@daverite) February 26, 2023
Just turned it on. No content, it's shot after shot without any drama. No focus on the leaders whomever they might be and forced sell of the team thing that in the game of golf should be relegated to the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, imo. Gave it a solid ten minutes and I'm out.
— UtahFriday (@UtahFriday) February 26, 2023
Especially since the PGA Tour is essentially on a bye week. The Honda Classic is the weakest event of the year. Not a single top player in the field. LIV knew this and thought they could “steal viewers”. LIV Golf is the like the old USFL. Nobody is watching.
— Curt Konrad (@CurtKonrad) February 26, 2023
Nothing wrong with LIV golf but it feels like a mess compared to the PGA Tour and DP World tour. Wasn't even aware there was a LIV golf event until just earlier when I noticed this on KTLA. Normally they would be doing news at 10AM and Charles Stanley at 11AM. pic.twitter.com/hP1tbA4D3J
— Robert (@VCPoliceScanner) February 26, 2023
Wait. We were told CW ratings aren’t measured on the weekends. Now LIV is claiming they are?
— Origin Society (@billysbf) February 26, 2023
Honda Classic got 342k for a Thursday opening round, which was….1. An increase from 2022 2. More than LIV got for Saturday at their big event. I’m sure LIV is prepared to spin this, but how how does a 2nd tier PGA event beat LIV and all their big name stars?
— Chas (@U2JT) February 26, 2023
I guess blood $ can’t buy ratings
— Gregg Weikel (@Thekid156) February 26, 2023
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While the first season of the golf league drew a sizable audience, the numbers decreased with each passing week.
The move to network TV does not appear to have altered this trend, indicating that LIV Golf has a lot of work to do to generate interest and increase viewership in the future.
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What are your thoughts on LIV Golf’s ratings? Are they good enough? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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