McIlroy’s miss and Scheffler’s arrest dominate Full Swing’s return
Despite failing to add to his tally of four majors last year, McIlroy’s miss and Scheffler’s arrest dominate Full Swing’s return, which has just dropped on the streaming service.
Often described as golf’s answer to Drive to Survive, the hit Formula 1 docuseries, Full Swing takes viewers behind the scenes of the sport’s biggest tournaments, offering rare access to the lives of its top stars. While past seasons focused on the power struggles between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Season 3 shifts its lens to the biggest personalities in the game, with McIlroy taking center stage.
McIlroy’s Reluctance and the Evolution of His Role in Full Swing
Initially, McIlroy was hesitant to participate in the documentary. He only made a brief appearance in Season 1, focusing on the fallout from LIV Golf’s controversial emergence in 2022. However, as the series gained popularity, he opened up to the cameras, allowing them unprecedented access throughout the highs and lows of his 2024 season.
His decision to be more involved this time around is significant. McIlroy is one of the most influential voices in modern golf—a four-time major champion, a Ryder Cup hero, and a key figure in the PGA-LIV debate. His presence elevates the show’s credibility, offering both drama and insight into the mind of one of the game’s biggest stars.
McIlroy acknowledges the personal and professional struggles he faces, admitting in the series:
“Sometimes I struggle with the balance of being the best golfer, the best husband, or the best dad.”
This candid admission gives a rare glimpse into the human side of a superstar athlete—something fans rarely see beyond press conferences and tournament coverage. While he does not delve into deep personal details, the emotional weight of his journey is evident throughout the season.
Highs and Lows: McIlroy’s 2024 Season Under the Netflix Spotlight
The season follows McIlroy as he experiences both triumph and heartbreak on the course. One of the more uplifting moments captured is his success at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he teamed up with close friend and fellow Irishman Shane Lowry to secure victory. The camaraderie between the two adds a lighter, more personal touch to the show, reinforcing the friendships that exist within the highly competitive world of professional golf.
But the series also documents the lows, most notably his heartbreaking loss at the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst. After leading for much of the tournament, McIlroy missed a crucial short putt on the 16th hole, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to seize the championship. The agony of that moment is palpable, as McIlroy reflects on how it slipped away:
“I let Bryson back into the championship,” he admits.
His pain is evident as he recalls leaving Pinehurst without speaking to the media, saying, “I think I did everyone a favor.” It’s a brutally honest reaction that reveals just how much these tournaments mean to the world’s best players.
Scottie Scheffler’s Arrest: A Shocking Moment for Golf
While McIlroy’s journey is a key focus, the show also delves into other major storylines from the season. One of the most shocking moments of the 2024 golf calendar was world number one Scottie Scheffler’s arrest during the PGA Championship. The series captures the bizarre and dramatic scenes as Scheffler was detained by police following a traffic misunderstanding on his way into the course.
In one of the most surreal moments of the year, Scheffler can be heard pleading with officers:
“Are you guys aware that I am playing in the golf tournament?”
Netflix does well to secure police bodycam footage, adding to the drama and chaos of the incident. Though charges were dropped within two weeks, it remains one of the most talked-about moments of the season and gives Full Swing some of its most gripping content.
Does Full Swing Deliver for Golf Fans?
For die-hard golf fans, the series may not be especially revelatory. Many of the events covered are already well-documented in traditional sports media, and the show often simplifies details for a broader audience. Analysts such as Amanda Balionis, Dan Rapaport, and Henni Zuel provide commentary, but their contributions remain surface-level, likely to keep things digestible for casual viewers.
However, Full Swing is not designed solely for hardcore golf enthusiasts. Its goal is to attract new fans to the sport—just as Drive to Survive did for Formula 1. In that regard, the series largely succeeds.
By focusing on personalities rather than just tournament results, Netflix makes golf feel more accessible and emotionally engaging. McIlroy’s presence alone is a major draw, while other stars like Ludvig Åberg, the young Swedish sensation, bring fresh energy to the narrative. The show also explores the crossover appeal of Bryson DeChambeau, with influencer Paige Spiranac weighing in on how the two-time U.S. Open champion has reinvented himself as a fan favorite.
Final Verdict: A Win for Golf’s Popularity
While the show may not provide groundbreaking insights for golf’s most dedicated followers, it achieves its main objective: making professional golf more compelling to a wider audience. With McIlroy as the focal point, Full Swing Season 3 delivers drama, emotion, and entertainment, ensuring that both new and existing fans stay engaged with the sport.
As the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continue navigating their future, the increased visibility brought by Netflix’s cameras will likely play a crucial role in shaping the sport’s global appeal. Whether or not McIlroy finally breaks his major drought in 2025, his participation in this series ensures that golf remains in the spotlight.