Netflix’s docuseries Full Swing released its fourth season this past Friday, and it is already creating controversy. Previous seasons ranged from seven to eight episodes, but the most recent season has only four. This has many viewers questioning not only why, but also what the future looks like for the series.
Full Swing has shown success in past seasons by highlighting top moments from the PGA Tour and providing inside access to golfers’ lives outside tournaments. Previous seasons did a strong job of that, but with only four episodes, this season feels more lackluster by comparison. Only about eight players are highlighted this season, compared with 10 to 12 in previous installments.
As a golf fan, this season was a bit disappointing. There is only one episode about Rory McIlroy and his completion of the career Grand Slam — arguably a historic moment — and then he is not featured again. The next three episodes focus solely on the Ryder Cup, a moment many U.S. golf fans would rather forget, especially stretched across three episodes because of the outcome.
The second episode looks at the careers and lives of J. J. Spaun, Ben Griffin and Maverick McNealy. It covers their paths into golf, including hardships and the rewards of being a rookie. It also highlights the suspense of whether they have done enough to make the Ryder Cup team. By the end, the episode shows the triumph of Spaun and Griffin making the team and the disappointment of McNealy falling short.
Episode three focuses on Cameron Young and Tommy Fleetwood. The two had very different seasons, which is reflected throughout the episode. Fleetwood faced struggles and several close calls before earning his first PGA Tour win at the Tour Championship. Meanwhile, Young showed perseverance as he worked to turn potential into results and make the Ryder Cup team for the first time.
The final episode highlights the ups and downs of Keegan Bradley’s run as Ryder Cup captain and the roller coaster weekend for the U.S. team. Bradley carried the burden of the role after not being selected as a player two years earlier by former captain — and Iowa native — Zach Johnson. It felt like a full-circle moment when he was later named captain.
Throughout the episode, Bradley’s emotion is evident, as is how seriously he takes the role. In the end, the U.S. did not win, but rallied to narrow the margin to two points after trailing by seven the previous day. Still, the disappointment was clear. “I would just like to win one Ryder Cup before I’m done,” Bradley said. As a golf fan, it is hard not to sympathize with him. He remains one of the most likable figures in the sport, and a victory would have completed that full-circle moment.
Overall, the four episodes are solid, but they do not match previous seasons. Notably absent is Scottie Scheffler, who had a historic season with six wins, including two majors — the PGA Championship and The Open Championship. Some moments feel overlooked, while others could have been explored in more depth.
It is not yet confirmed whether another season will be produced, but with fewer episodes already, the future is uncertain — leaving some to wonder whether the title should remain Full Swing or, with half the content, shift closer to “Half Swing.”
