LIV Golf Looks to Boost Viewership with New CEO
LIV Golf is exploring strategies to enhance its standing in the competitive realm of the PGA Tour. New CEO Scott O’Neil has pointed out the league’s disappointing television ratings, especially in the U.S. The inaugural event aired on FOX Sports, averaging just 12,000 viewers, whereas the final round of LIV Singapore only managed 34,000 viewers—a stark contrast to the 3.6 million viewers that tuned in for the final round of The Players Championship on NBC.
Challenges of Global Competition
O’Neil referenced the hurdles of organizing events across diverse time zones including Riyadh, Adelaide, Hong Kong, and Singapore, where irregular hours can affect traditional ratings. However, LIV Golf may have come up with an effective solution this time around.
Launch of ‘The Duels’ Scramble Event
The Saudi-backed league is set to introduce a new scramble duel event designed to be thrilling. This event will feature a blend of social media influencers and professional golfers competing in teams. Although a similar format was showcased in the PGA Tour’s Creator’s Classic, LIV Golf is adding its unique twist with The Duels! There will be an increased focus on social media and YouTube content as part of this initiative. The participant lineup looks impressive, featuring pairings such as Dustin Johnson and Wesley Bryan, Sergio Garcia and George Bryan, Bubba Watson and Luke Kwon, as well as Phil Mickelson and Grant Horvat. A total of six teams will compete in Miami later this year.
Creating a Fresh Atmosphere in Golf
The event aims to bring a new energy to the golf scene. LIV Golf’s Chief Marketing Officer, Adam Harter, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of the creator community on the sport, stating, “At LIV Golf, we champion bold, new approaches to the game, and The Duels is a perfect example of how golf continues to evolve and engage fans.” He added, “This event celebrates the creativity and passion driving the modern golf community while connecting them with the most exciting elite golfers.”
Mixed Reactions from Fans
It is evident that LIV Golf understands the difficulty of pleasing every audience, perhaps better than the PGA in a shorter timeframe. Following the announcement of The Duels, responses varied widely. One fan commented, “Goddamn this f–king sucks,” while another expressed disinterest by saying, “Cannot think of anything I’d rather watch less.” However, past similar events, such as the Creator Classic, suggest this format has the potential to win over skeptics.
Positive Engagement and Support
Despite some initial skepticism, events similar to The Duels have garnered substantial viewership in the past, indicating potential for attracting younger audiences and enhancing the sport’s online visibility. While some fans claimed, “No one is interested,” others showed enthusiasm, labeling it as a “smart move” that could benefit the sport. As excitement builds around The Duels, many fans are eager to see how this initiative unfolds, especially considering the successful history of integrating social media influencers with professional golf.
The Buzz Around The Duels
The concept’s success at past events has set the stage for continued excitement. The Creator Classic previously featured influencers and pro golfers in a memorable nine-hole competition at East Lake Golf Club. Given the strong roster of participants, fans are optimistic about the upcoming event. What are your thoughts on LIV Golf’s new approach? We welcome your opinions in the comments below!
