U.S. Ryder Cup Team is Limiting Netflix’s Access for ‘Full Swing’ Documentary

The Ryder Cup provides some of the golf world’s best theater of the year (or every two years, as the case may be). So it’s only natural that Netflix’s “Full Swing” documentary crew will there to capture all of the action.

But don’t expect as much behind-the-scenes access as the series provided during its first streaming season. Some of the first season’s most compelling scenes came from the locker room as the PGA Tour was dealing with defectors to LIV Golf in 2022.

For the upcoming Ryder Cup, U.S. team captain Zach Johnson said that all 12 members of the team were polled, and players unanimously wanted to keep some areas off-limits.

“It was one of those where we all gathered, I talked to every individual and laid out scenarios,” Johnson said in an interview with Golf Channel. “And they all felt like it was best to navigate that week of the tournament in a manner which the sanctity and sacredness of Team USA is preserved. We’re eliminating scenarios.”

Netflix’s ‘Full Swing’ not granted full access at 2023 Ryder Cup by U.S. team https://t.co/okDne4CZJu pic.twitter.com/knzMllhl9r

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 14, 2023

Netflix did not offer comment, but the PGA of America, which co-hosts the Ryder Cup with a conglomerate of European entities that is majority-held by the DP World Tour, addressed Team USA’s concerns.

“Netflix is going to be there,” said Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America.

“I would say all things involving the team we leave to the team and the captain. I think there’s a sanctity to the team room, and the experience is important to them. It’s part of being a team, right? Netflix has been great for the game. They’re doing great things. The team collectively decided there are areas of privacy that need to be respected.”

“Full Swing” was deemed a success in its first season. The PGA Tour said that a survey showed 42% of those who watched at least some of the series ended up watching more golf on TV. Season two promises more compelling footage.

Hell Of A Break: Producer Of ‘Full Swing’ Confirms Cameras Were Rolling In Players Cars And Houses When The LIV Merger Was Announced https://t.co/BuZqfMTp9k pic.twitter.com/QFkhyZbEIk

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 8, 2023

The Ryder Cup begins next Friday from Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome.

Cover Photo via Twitter