The CW Network has vowed not to drop coverage of anymore LIV Golf League events before they have reached their conclusion following backlash after the breakaway circuit's most recent event in Tulsa.
Dustin Johnson prevailed in a three-way playoff against Cameron Smith and Branden Grace at Cedar Ridge Country Club, but viewers in some regions of America were left dismayed after CW affiliates pulled it off air with three holes of the regulation 54 still to play.
Instead, TV viewers were served old episodes of shows such as Family Feud or Penn & Teller, with many fans taking to social media to voice their criticism, while Jim Nantz appeared to aim a subtle dig at the perceived gaffe during the first round of the PGA Championship.
However, the CW Network has promised this will be an isolated incident according to the Sports Business Journal.
"The CW confirmed with the affiliate body - all 210 local stations - that in the event that this happens again, all stations will continue carrying the LIV Tournament through to completion," the network said in a statement released by LIV.
"LIV Golf and CW Sports are learning together what will delight our fans and grow our franchises, and we're proud that we are nimble and able to make adjustments as these learnings are made available."
The controversial Saudi-funded breakaway tour launched in June of last year at the Centurion Club just outside London. It was free to watch on YouTube or the LIV Golf website in what Greg Norman described as the "beta season", before a deal with the CW Network was announced ahead of the first event of the expanded league schedule for 2023.
As part of the agreement, only the weekend action will be broadcast live on TV in the US, with Friday's first round available on the CW app. Johnson's LIV Golf Tulsa win was his first of 2023 after topping the season-long individual standings in 2022.
-
The Players Championship Tee Times - Round FourJ.J Spaun, Bud Cauley and Lucas Glover are the final group as for Sunday's deciding round at TPC Sawgrass
-
You Don't See This Very Often... Why Does This Tour Pro Have A Right Handed And Left Handed Putter In The Bag This Week?Playing the Australian Women's Classic, it was revealed that Marianne Skarpnord had put two putters in her bag for the week, with the reason being quite simple
-
Dustin Johnson Goes From Worst To First At LIV Golf SingaporeAfter finishing dead last a week ago, Dustin Johnson fired a brilliant 63 to lead LIV Golf Singapore by three to quieten all the talk about his struggles
-
LIV Golfers Back Decision To Split Australian OpenCameron Smith has welcomed the decision to hold the men's and women's Australian Opens separately - saying it will help to strengthen both tournaments
-
Smith Blames Protege Smylie As 'Common Denominator' In Latest Slow Play WarningCameron Smith saw his second round crumble at the Australian Open after being put on the clock - which he appeared to partially blame on his young protege Elvis Smylie
-
'That's A Bull**** Excuse' - Cameron Smith Sounds Off Over 'Disappointing' Course Conditions At Australian OpenThe LIV player aired his frustration over soft and slow conditions at both Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club and refused to accept recent heavy rain was primarily responsible
-
BMW Australian PGA Championship Prize Money Payout 2024Cameron Smith is one of a host of big names competing at Royal Queensland Golf Club as the new DP World Tour season gets underway
-
'The Best Decision Of My Life' - Cameron Smith Insists He Has No Regrets Over Leaving The PGA TourThe Australian left the PGA Tour shortly after lifting the Claret Jug at St Andrews - and he has no regrets
-
'It's One That I've Always Wanted' - Cameron Smith Commits To Fourth Home Event Of Australian SummerThe LIV golfer will play in his fifth home event this year after signing up for the Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club and The Victoria Golf Club from November 28 to December 1.
-
LIV Golf's Cameron Smith Adds Surprising Home Event To His Schedule For The First TimeLIV Golf's Cameron Smith has signed up to play in the NSW Open Golf Championship later this year - an event Greg Norman has won four times
