Rory McIlroy takes center stage in the third season of Netflix’s Full Swing, despite not adding to his four major titles last year. Initially hesitant to participate, the Northern Irish golfer made only a brief appearance in the first season, which chronicled the 2022 campaign.
However, the latest installment follows him closely throughout 2024, offering glimpses into his struggles with balancing professional success and personal life. While the series captures dramatic highs and lows, it leaves much of McIlroy’s introspection unexplored, relying instead on compelling behind-the-scenes access to keep viewers engaged.
A standout moment in the series is McIlroy’s camaraderie with Shane Lowry, particularly their success at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Lighthearted clips, such as McIlroy playfully scolding himself for eating with only a fork “like an American,” add warmth to the narrative.
However, the show quickly shifts to more intense moments, including the 2024 US PGA Championship. That week was overshadowed by McIlroy’s divorce filing and Scottie Scheffler’s dramatic arrest, with Netflix securing police footage of the world number one being taken into custody. Though Scheffler’s charges were dropped within two weeks, the incident remains one of the most striking episodes of the season.
McIlroy’s emotional struggles become more evident after his crushing defeat to Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open. Despite reconciling with his wife by then, he remains haunted by his short missed putt on the 16th hole, which he believes gave DeChambeau a way back into the championship.
The pain of that moment lingers, leading McIlroy to leave Pinehurst without speaking to reporters. He later admits his abrupt exit was a way of avoiding conversations he wasn’t ready to have. Though the series secures an extended interview with him, it notably shuts out cameras after his heartbreak in North Carolina, leaving much of his inner turmoil to interpretation.
Familiar voices from previous seasons, including Amanda Balionis and Dan Rapaport, provide commentary, though their insights remain somewhat superficial. Newcomer Paige Spiranac adds fresh perspective on Bryson DeChambeau’s growing appeal, helping to illustrate his reinvention as a fan favorite.
While dedicated golf enthusiasts may find the series lacking in depth, Full Swing succeeds in broadening the sport’s reach, much like Drive to Survive did for Formula 1. By featuring young talents like Ludvig Åberg, whose Masters runner-up finish and recent Torrey Pines victory signal a promising future, the series ensures that golf’s next generation will attract new fans—its ultimate goal.
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