Netflix’s ‘Full Swing’ Denied Access to U.S. Ryder Cup Team Room

Netflix’s documentary series “Full Swing” has been filming the PGA Tour all season long. But at the upcoming Ryder Cup, the crew will have limited access, specifically to the U.S. team.

In an interview with the Associated Press, PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh said that captain Zach Johnson and the 12 American players unanimously decided that Netflix cameras would not be permitted in their team room in Rome.

“Netflix is going to be there,” Waugh said. “I would say all things involving the team we leave to the team and the captain. I think there’s a sanctity to the team room, and the experience is important to them. It’s part of being a team, right? Netflix has been great for the game. They’re doing great things. The team collectively decided there are areas of privacy that need to be respected.” 

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark confirmed the team decision was unanimous. Clark also noted that some U.S. team members have not signed on to be part of the series. 

“I love what Netflix is doing,” Clark said. “I’m happy to be part of the show, and I think they’re going to get a lot of great footage at the Ryder Cup. Inside the team room, I think there are conversations and things that go on that guys didn’t want to be recorded. They wanted to feel comfortable. 

“Some guys aren’t on the show, or some guys kind of want a break from it. So Zach kind of just put it up to a team vote. He told us, ‘We want everyone to be comfortable and we want everyone to be in their best mindset, so that they can play their best. If that’s having [Netflix] there that’s great, if it’s not having them there, that’s also great.’ So that’s how we came to the decision. It had nothing to do with the Netflix crew. We wanted to be focused and ready to play.”

Netflix did not respond to SI’s request for comment. 

Johnson and his players voted unanimously to limit Netflix’s access to the U.S. team room. 

Lorenzo Palizzolo/Getty Images

Johnson supported Waugh’s statement, telling the AP that he wanted to preserve the “sanctity and sacredness of Team USA.” 

Netflix’s “Full Swing” released its first season on Feb. 13, 2023. Brooks Koepka, Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick, Dustin Johnson, Joel Dahmen and Rory McIlroy were among the players included in the show’s eight episodes. 

The Ryder Cup is set for Sep. 29-Oct. 1 at Marco Simone Golf Club outside of Rome.