Welcome to LIVbreathegolf the newsletter that is more reliable than your bank (although I guess that’s not too hard to claim these days…)

What we’re teeing up for you today:

• ⛳️ LIV Tucson TV Rating

• Player Profile - Chucky Three Sticks

• Chart - Big Bertha Energy

• Peeing on a cactus (and tv😳)

The Numbers Are In

And it would appear we are going to repeat the same cycle that we had after Mayakoba.

Did anyone watch LIV Tucson? How popular was it? What do the numbers mean? Is LIV failing?

Everyone and their mama became TV rating experts after LIV Mayakoba reportedly had a .2 Neilson rating.

Well mama is back, and she is here to preach the end of LIV Golf as we know it. Apparently the initial numbers released after LIV Tucson gave the final day a .14 Neilson rating.

We know I’m not good at math. But I can tell you that .14 is less than .20.

What does that mean again?

You don’t remember what a Neilson rating is, how they determine it, or what it means?

That is fine. Nobody else really does either.

I tried to explain it last time we had this happen, but it basically comes down to this:

Not to mention, to be included in the Neilson numbers you not only have to sign up to be monitored, but you have to have cable still (eww)

So really you could say that .14 Neilson unit’s of eligible serial killers watched LIV Tucson on Sunday. I guess even those guys need a way to unwind.

LIV will probably announce way higher numbers

After Mayakoba it took the league about a week or so to gather information from all of the different service providers and apps that aired the tournament.

3.2 Million U.S. viewers watched Mayakoba as it turned out, significantly more than the initial .2 rating would suggest.

And that doesn’t even include international viewership.

Don’t be surprised if in a few days you are reading about how the .14 rating was off and LIV and the CW are actually very happy with how things are progressing.

All that matters is what LIV and the CW say

People can shout ratings from the rooftop, post them on twitter, tell grandma about them at dinner. But at the end of the day it really only matters how LIV and the CW interpret them.

They are obviously tracking their viewership numbers. In fact, I would guess the number of fans watching is probably a key performance indicator for them.

The CW is tracking it as well. This is a new thing for them and if it tanks I can’t imagine they would continue to throw millions of dollars at it.

Until I see something from LIV or the CW, I’m not buying it.

You could say, “LIV is going to say it was great no matter what”.

And they might do that. They could easily lie and we would be none the wiser. And very few of us are actually TV ratings experts, so we probably wouldn’t know.

At that point, they would really just be kicking the can down the road. Because eventually it is either going to work, or it’s going to blow up. But when that time comes I think we will know either way.

Personally, I don’t think that they would release completely fake numbers, and if they did I don’t think the CW would jump on that ride.

What will be interesting to see is if the numbers they do release mirror the drop in Neilson rating or if they claim to be rising. We will just have to wait and see.

Player Profile - Charles Howell III

A lot of sports earn followings from loyalty to geographic locations, colleges, etc… This is your chance to learn about the LIV golfers and find who you connect with.

Charles Howell III, or Chucky Three Sticks, was born not only in Augusta, GA, but actually on the 7th green. You’ve got to admire his mom for still trying to get her round in. Howell has been playing golf since he was 7 and has pretty much been dominating the entire time. He doesn’t have any majors wins, but he has some admirable finishes along with other PGA Tour wins. He has made a strong showing for LIV in the 2023 season so far, finishing 1st and 5th at the first two tournaments.

• Age - 43

• Birthplace - Augusta, GA

• College - Oklahoma State University

• Plays From - USA

• Turned Pro - 2000

• Joined LIV - 2022

• LIV Team - Crushers GC

• OWGR - 324th

Chart - Big Bertha Energy

Top 5 - Average Driving Distance at LIV Tucson

Bryson DeChambeau has some competition with the driver this year.

In fact, he’s not even in the top of driver distance from Tucson.

What I think is interesting is how those distance correlate with their finishes. It sure is fun to smack the ball as far as you can, but does it lead to better scores?

Let’s look at where these 5 finished:

1. Peter Uihlein - 10th (-6)

2. Dustin Johnson - 13th (-5)

3. Cameron Smith - 26th (-2)

4. Jed Morgan - 47th (+9)

5. Charl Schwartzel - 46th (+8)

Oh man…. That is a small sample size, but I think the answer is a resounding NO!

I guess it’s bad news and I still have to learn how to putt.

Breakfast Balls

(Click on the links for more info)

Sergio Garcia awarded himself some relief, unfortunately he didn’t quite get out of the TV shot before doing it. At least that Cactus is well watered.

Photos from the Gallery Golf Club and LIV Tucson

Iron Heads captain Kevin Na just recruited Danny Lee this year. Looks like it’s worked out so far.

Meme of the Day

Don’t golf alone, Share LIVbreathegolf and get more people on the course

For sharing you get…something???

Is my undying gratitude enough? If people actually start reading this maybe you will get a sticker or a trip to the LIV Golf finals or something… who knows. For now, just know that I love you.

How’s My Swing?

Will you do me a favor now that you are done reading? Click one of the buttons below and let me know how the newsletter was today. I really appreciate any feedback and it helps LIVbreathegolf grow and improve for you and all who come after.

Thanks!

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