Welcome to LIVbreathegolf the newsletter that goes down like a fine bourbon after a round.

What we’re teeing up for you today:

• LIV Mayakoba recap

• Take my money… when can I bet?

• Leaderboard

• Bubba explains what a Range Goat is

“Adios and vaya con dios”- On from Mayakoba

Individual and team champions

Charles Howell III walked into Friday’s round the same way he has for the last 5 years - looking for his next win.

Well, give the man a Waldo book because he came in at 16 under par, securing the first individual victory of LIV 2023.

Peter Uihlein spent a lot of time anywhere but the fairway today, but still held on to 2nd at -12 with Branden Grace a close third at -10.

But wait… golf is a team sport now.

When one of your teammates is 4 strokes ahead of literally everyone else it sets you up well. Crushers, led by Howell, crushed the tourney at a whopping -26. Coming up from behind were last years champs, 4Aces at -17, and then Torque at -13.

What the environment was like

It definitely wasn’t normal golf. Have you ever teed of with Rhianna playing in the background? (Shutup, I know you have)

That was the atmosphere though. There was music playing, guys were loose. Fans were having fun.

I didn’t hear anyone called a “boner” (go watch Joel Dahmer on Full Swing) but the mic’d up moments are an awesome way to experience what is going on.

On the TV side, a lot of shots. Some shots actually got cut out - I would want to see a big put and it would cut away too quick - but that is most likely growing pains as they learn how to broadcast this format.

Overall, was it normal golf? No. But change takes time, and the fact that it felt so different means that LIV is achieving what it wants. Disruption.

Viewing numbers

Not gonna lie. Not good.

.2 on the markets that carried it for the CW. Don’t ask me to explain that because we get into division and percentages and there’s a reason I changed my major from engineering.

You don’t have to be an engineer to understand that .2 is not typically at the top of any charts though.

What that doesn’t consider is the rest of the world and the livgolfplus app that had hundreds of thousands of viewers as well.

Higher numbers would be nice, but it’s not the whole story.

Next tournament

We will see if Tucson can be gain any more viewers.

LIV travels to Tucson for it’s second tournament from March 17th - 19th and will kick off it’s first stop in America of the year.

Takeaways

There was a strong leaderboard, and a lot of excitement. Despite viewing numbers a lot of people came out to the event and there was still a lot of discussion in the golf world.

A lot of that discussion is negative, but that’s positive. LIV is trying to change up golf and reach a different fanbase. If there weren’t these stark differences, if there weren’t complaints, that would probably mean they hadn’t gone far enough.

Mayakoba put together a competitive tournament on a beautiful course and kicked off an exciting 2023 season.

Each event should get bigger and gain more traction. If we see viewing numbers like this for the 5th or 6th tournaments, well maybe that’s when the Saudi’s should start sweating.

Take My Money… When Can I Bet???

What if I told you people wanted to bet on golf?

Crazy, right?

Especially with the emergence of things like DraftKings and FanDuel, along with others, sports betting is almost too easy.

Right now some betting on LIV is available in Vegas, but it is not easily accessible for most people.

Chances are this move is coming, but who knows when.

Do you think you will be able to bet on LIV by the end of the 2023 season? Reply yes or no to this email along with who you’ve got to win it all!

Chart

Team leaderboard after Sunday

Individual leaderboard after Sunday

Charles Howell III and the Crushers… Crushed it! They took away a demanding win as Uihlein and Gooch felt the pressure. Both were up at the top after Saturday.

Is it going to be a trend to see whatever team the leader is on at the top? It helps a lot when you are that far ahead.

Of note, some of the big names are actually pretty far down that list.

Dustin Johnson, reigning champ, was talking a lot of S***t leading up to the season but a +4, 37th finish has got to have him thinking.

Breakfast Balls

Bubba explains what a Range Goat is: The Range Goats are for everyone. They are the best golfers, and the everyday golfer grazing around the course. “Like, either you’re not very good at golf,” he said with a chuckle, “or you’re really good.” - Bubba Watson

LIV vs. PGA Drama: Greg Norman tells Rory McIlroy to “watch what you say” about LIV Golf. Rory has been a big proponent for the PGA Tour and thinks Norman is immature and needs to step down so the two groups can meet seriously.

Hometown boys: People love their sports teams because they are from the same town, or same school, etc… Take a look at where these LIV player stats. Maybe this will help if the sandwhich in the team picker didn’t do it for you.

Meme of the Day

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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?

Have you ever tried to critique your own swing? Most likely you were sure you had the answer until you the next hole when you’re walking around in the woods looking for your ball you sliced again. Please help me out so I can perfect my practice and start hitting ‘em long and straight.

Bogey, bogey, par, birdie, par, par, bogey, birdie, par...