The Netflix Cup: When Formula 1 Meets Professional Golf
In a unique collision of high-speed motorsports and precision golf, Netflix hosted a one-off television event known as The Netflix Cup. Designed as a crossover competition, the event brought together the stars of two of Netflix's most successful sports docuseries: Drive to Survive (focusing on Formula 1) and Full Swing (focusing on professional golf).
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Event Overview and Setting
The Netflix Cup took place on November 14, 2023, at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas. The timing was strategic, as the event coincided with the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, a major milestone in the Formula 1 calendar. The production was a collaborative effort between Excel Sports Management, Full Day Productions, and BZ Entertainment, produced by Stephanie Carpenter.
The competition featured a mix of elite athletes attempting to master a sport outside their usual expertise. While the lineup was highly anticipated, professional golfer Collin Morikawa was forced to withdraw from the event due to an injury.
Competition Format and Rules
The tournament utilized a match play format—a type of golf competition where players compete hole-by-hole rather than by total strokes—spanning eight holes. To keep the broadcast engaging, each team faced unique challenges throughout the course. To ensure a definitive conclusion, the event included a playoff hole to determine the ultimate winner.
The event was broadcast live on Netflix and remained available for streaming following its initial airing. The total running time for the special was 2 hours and 29 minutes.
The Teams and Participants
The competition paired prominent Formula 1 drivers with world-class professional golfers. The pairings were structured to pit the speed and precision of racing against the finesse of the green.
Team Pairings
- Lando Norris (F1) & Rickie Fowler (Golf)
- Carlos Sainz (F1) & Justin Thomas (Golf)
- Alex Albon (F1) & Max Homa (Golf)
- Pierre Gasly (F1) & Tony Finau (Golf)
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| Matchup | Participants | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | Lando Norris & Rickie Fowler vs. Carlos Sainz & Justin Thomas | Holes 1-8 |
| Match 2 | Pierre Gasly & Tony Finau vs. Alex Albon & Max Homa | Holes 1-8 |
| Playoff | Pierre Gasly & Tony Finau vs. Carlos Sainz & Justin Thomas | Hole 9 |
Reception and Viewership
The Netflix Cup received a mixed response from audiences and critics. While some viewers praised the innovative concept of blending two different sporting worlds, others felt the event did not quite meet the high expectations set by the Netflix sports brand.
In terms of viewership, the event gathered 700,000 views between its live debut and its first six weeks on the platform. This figure placed it among the lower-performing "higher-profile" productions on Netflix for that year.
Key Facts
- Release Date: November 14, 2023.
- Location: Wynn Golf Club, Las Vegas.
- Total Runtime: 2 hours and 29 minutes.
- Format: 8 holes of match play followed by a playoff hole.
- Viewership: 700,000 views within the first six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What series inspired The Netflix Cup?
The event was inspired by two Netflix sports docuseries: Drive to Survive, which follows Formula 1, and Full Swing, which follows professional golfers.
Who were the Formula 1 drivers involved?
The participating drivers were Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, and Pierre Gasly.
Why did Collin Morikawa not compete?
Collin Morikawa was scheduled to compete but had to withdraw from the event due to an injury.
Where was the event held?
The competition was held at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas, coinciding with the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
How many holes were played in the tournament?
The main competition consisted of eight holes of match play, with an additional ninth hole used as a playoff to decide the winner.