Fans React to the Netflix Cup's Golf-Meets-F1 Showdown

From the all seeing Sphere, to Marshawn Lynch’s commentary and Carlos Sainz’s trophy drop.

Golf
1.5K 0 Comments

Examining the trajectory of F1’s rise in the United States, it’s impossible to ignore the influence of Netflix, whose documentary series Drive to Survive has proved both a platform for F1’s repositioning and the streaming service’s own creation of a new genre: sports drama. That series opened avenues for Netflix to explore golf, which has been undergoing its own image transformation, with Full Swing. So when rumblings first began last June that executives at the company were toying with the idea of launching a golf-meets-F1 live sports event, it felt like a natural progression.

For starters, the made-for-TV golf match has been popping off the last few years with formats like The Match. Then you have the fact many of F1’s celebrity drivers have already been making their affinity for golf well known, like at the Miami Grand Prix where Alex Albon wore a golf ball decorated helmet, or at a charity tournament where Lewis Hamilton was photographed with Tom Brady. There’s even the shared verbiage; drive…speed…apex…finish.

So with all of this setting the backdrop, the Netflix Cup kicked off on November 14 in Las Vegas ahead of one of the biggest events of the year: the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The event started with two 8 hole matches played between teams of two, each with one PGA TOUR golfer and one F1 driver. The winning teams from the first two matches would then face off against one another in a playoff to crown the champions.

As it played out, Justin Thomas and Carlos Sainz won their opening match against Rickie Fowler and Lando Norris, and then went on to beat Tony Finau and Pierre Gasly to claim the crown. Between that though, there were more than a few viral moments that got fans talking across different social media platforms, so it’s the perfect way to recount the action.

1. Chaotic in all the right ways

The Netflix Cup leaned into chaos from the beginning, as a 3, 2, 1 style countdown prompted the teams to tee off and then jump into golf carts as they attempted to finish the hole in the least amount of time.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by P1 with Matt & Tommy (@mattp1tommy)

2. The sphere’s aura

The viral sensation that is the Sphere has turned next door Wynn Golf Club from a well-maintained, championship course into a goldmine for memes in a blink of an eye, quite literally. Predictably, fans were enjoying the giant emoji’s eye rolls and expressions of awe as the players sent errant shots off in its direction.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Syon J Bond (@2belong)

3. Not those hands

With the Las Vegas Grand Prix only days away, it was a bit jarring for some to see the likes of Alex Albon and Lando Norris potentially putting themselves at risk for a golf match. This particular moment may have caused momentary panic for fans of the Williams #23 driver.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by AlexLilyFanpage (@alexlilyfanpage)

4. Albon in the doghouse

Speaking of Albon, one of the best mic’d up moments was delivered when he compared the Squid Games doll being shown on the Sphere’s screen to his girlfriend Lily Muni He, who happens to be a professional golfer. It might have been a rough night for Alex.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix)

5. Marshawn on the mic

The people seemed to enjoy Netflix’s decision to bestow reporting duties upon Marshawn Lynch, whose musings were far from your typical stale golf commentary. Just watch and enjoy:

6. Down goes the trophy

Although it wasn’t shown on the live stream, there was no chance that Carlos Sainz dropping the winning trophy wouldn’t end up all over the internet. It may not have been how the producers drew it up, but it was a moment of perfect imperfection nonetheless.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix)

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

TPC Scottsdale: The Course That Hosts Golf's Biggest Party
Golf

TPC Scottsdale: The Course That Hosts Golf's Biggest Party

The WM Phoenix Open returns this week to TPC Scottsdale.

McLaren Unveils F1 and P1 Successor: The W1
Automotive

McLaren Unveils F1 and P1 Successor: The W1

Sporting the all-new 4L MHP-8 V8 hybrid powertrain, producing over 1,250 hp.

Dechambeau, Homa and All the Key Golf Sponsorship Changes in 2025
Golf

Dechambeau, Homa and All the Key Golf Sponsorship Changes in 2025

Reshuffling the status quo of tour sponsorships.


The Nike Air Max 1 Golf "Chlorophyll" Longs for Warmer Days
Golf

The Nike Air Max 1 Golf "Chlorophyll" Longs for Warmer Days

Following the original “Sport Red” colorblocking formula.

BMW Discovers What “The Neue New” Means to Adwoa Aboah, Kit Connor and Alton Mason in Latest Campaign
Automotive 

BMW Discovers What “The Neue New” Means to Adwoa Aboah, Kit Connor and Alton Mason in Latest Campaign

Presented by BMW
Coming off the grand unveiling of its Vision Neue Klasse car.

Gucci Continuum and Barbour Get Romantic With Re-Loved Partnership
Fashion 

Gucci Continuum and Barbour Get Romantic With Re-Loved Partnership

The 12-piece range is made from deadstock Gucci fabrics and discarded accessories.

Nicole McLaughlin, Queen of Mocs
Footwear 

Nicole McLaughlin, Queen of Mocs

In an exclusive interview, the superstar up-cycler and designer tells Hypebeast about the full-circle nature of her “MocLaughlin” collection with Merrell 1TRL, her thoughts on sustainability, and her dad’s favorite sneakers.

Ulysse Nardin Reveals Its New Freak [ONE OPS] Time-Teller
Watches

Ulysse Nardin Reveals Its New Freak [ONE OPS] Time-Teller

Arriving in a 44mm case size.

Bianca Saunders Is Istituto Marangoni London's New Student Mentor
Fashion 

Bianca Saunders Is Istituto Marangoni London's New Student Mentor

Taking over academic grounds with essential tools and advice.


BBC Announces Resting of 'Top Gear' "For the Foreseeable Future”
Entertainment 

BBC Announces Resting of 'Top Gear' "For the Foreseeable Future”

Following presenter Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff’s accident at Dunsfold Aerodrome.

You Can Now Visit Tadao Ando’s MPavilion in Melbourne
Design

You Can Now Visit Tadao Ando’s MPavilion in Melbourne

Located inside the Queen Victoria Gardens.

Paris-Based Creative Agency Super Vision Takes Yamaha's Latest Editorial "On a Ride"
Fashion 

Paris-Based Creative Agency Super Vision Takes Yamaha's Latest Editorial "On a Ride"

Featuring a corresponding campaign video.

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio Are Searching For the Next 'Karate Kid' For New Film
Entertainment

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio Are Searching For the Next 'Karate Kid' For New Film

The pair will reprise their roles as Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso in the upcoming movie.

HAL STUDIOS® Reveals Exclusive VELOSAMBA "HSDT-MK-01" adidas Collab
Footwear

HAL STUDIOS® Reveals Exclusive VELOSAMBA "HSDT-MK-01" adidas Collab

Limited to 300 pairs.

More ▾