Netflix Takes the Sporting World by Storm with Groundbreaking 'Netflix Cup' Golf Tournament

Get ready, drivers - Netflix's first live sporting event is bringing together the top talents from the racing circuit and the golf course.

Scheduled for November 14, "The Netflix Cup" will witness the thrilling competition between four Formula One drivers and four PGA Tour players in a live-streamed golf tournament. The action will take place at the prestigious Wynn Golf Club, located near the famous Las Vegas strip.

Staged on the eve of the inaugural Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix, Netflix combines two of their leading sports docuseries, "Drive to Survive" and "Full Swing." "Drive to Survive" just released its fifth season, while "Full Swing" made its debut in 2023.

On June 17, 2022, at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, Brooks Koepka of the United States can be seen reacting on the eighth green during the second round of the 122nd U.S. Open Championship. The photograph was captured by Jared C. Tilton of Getty Images.

Imposter syndrome, crises of confidence, and emotional breakdowns are showcased in Netflix's "Full Swing," revealing the psychological pressures that professional golfers face. The American group consisting of Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas will represent the sport of golf. Joining them will be Carlos Sainz from Ferrari, Lando Norris from McLaren, Alex Albon from Williams, and Pierre Gasly from Alpine, who will compete for F1.

"In a press release, Gabe Spitzer, Vice President of Nonfiction Sports at Netflix, expressed delight in witnessing the tremendous growth in fanbase for sports leagues and competitions across the globe through our sports series. He further announced that the upcoming Netflix Cup will elevate this momentum by introducing a groundbreaking live sports event featuring renowned international stars from two top hits."

In the tournament format, there will be four pairs consisting of a golfer and a driver. These pairs will compete in eight-hole matches. The top two performing teams will then advance to the final hole where they will compete for the trophy. Wynn Golf Club has previous experience in hosting live events, having recently hosted the fifth edition of "The Match" in 2021. This event witnessed Brooks Koepka emerging victorious over his fierce rival Bryson DeChambeau.

And Sainz is familiar with competitive golf, as he participated in the celebrity All-Star event before the Ryder Cup in Rome, Italy, earlier this month. The Spaniard unfortunately lost his match to Novak Djokovic, while Fowler, Homa, Morikawa, Thomas, and Team USA were defeated 16.5 - 11.5 by Europe in the main event.

Morikawa, Homa and Thomas were on the losing side at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.

Brendan Moran/Sportsfile/Getty Images

McIlroy, Kelce, Joshua invest in Alpine

The reveal of the Netflix Cup coincided with the announcement that several high-profile athletes - including golfer Rory McIlroy - are set to invest in Alpines F1 team.

Private investment firm Otro Capital has announced a significant "strategic investment" of €200 million ($211.4m) in the Renault Group-owned team. In addition, they will be incorporating a number of sports stars into their investment group. This includes Northern Ireland's McIlroy, the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs duo Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, boxer Anthony Joshua, football duo Trent-Alexander Arnold and Juan Mata, and Eberg Capital founder Roger Ehrenberg, who has invested in the MLB's Miami Marlins and the MLS Real Salt Lake.

In a press release, McIlroy expressed his admiration for the pursuit of excellence in Formula 1, which stems from his passion for excellence on the golf course. He revealed his excitement in joining forces with Otro Capital in Alpine F1, describing it as an exhilarating opportunity that combines his love for sports, competition, and the unwavering determination to be the best.

McIlroy celebrates Ryder Cup triumph in Rome.

Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters

Kelce added: "I am thrilled to lead an investor group and join forces with Patrick and the team at Otro Capital on this exciting venture with Alpine F1.

"We are bound by our mutual drive for excellence and ingenuity, which serves as the foundation for this collaborative alliance. It revolves around our ability to contribute to a sport that requires accuracy, collaboration, and unwavering determination.

I eagerly anticipate embarking on this new phase and eagerly await witnessing our collective accomplishments."

"I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining APEXs, a Portuguese management fund that has invested in Otros, as an investor in the Alpine F1 team along with my brother Tyler. As a passionate Formula 1 fan, I have experienced the electrifying atmosphere of the paddock and witnessed the remarkable prowess of the Alpine team. Together with the investment group, our objective is to support and contribute to the ongoing success of the team in the ever-expanding world of F1."

Otro Capital became part of a new investment consortium in June, acquiring a 24% equity share in the Alpine team. This consortium includes Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who also own Wrexham AFC.

Currently, Alpine, led by French drivers Gasly and Esteban Ocon, holds the sixth position out of ten teams in the constructors championship with five races remaining in the 2023 F1 season.