Scottie Scheffler emerged as the winner of this year’s Masters, securing a four-shot lead which marked his second victory at Augusta National in the last three years. However, despite Scheffler’s dominant performance, the tournament received low ratings this year. CBS drew 9.589 million viewers for the final round of the Masters on Sunday, which was a 20% decrease from the previous year. While fans were anticipating a thrilling final round, Scheffler’s early lead and Tiger Woods’ poor performance seemed to have dampened the excitement for viewers.
As Scheffler took control of the tournament from the start, fans found it less compelling to continue watching as the outcome seemed almost certain even before he finished with Amen Corner. The absence of a close competition, coupled with Woods’ disappointing performance, may have contributed to the low viewership numbers. Golf influencer Paige Spiranac expressed her views on the current state of golf, citing concerns about the focus on money and the industry’s resistance to change. Spiranac’s comments reflect a growing sentiment within the golf community that suggests the need for innovation and adaptation to attract wider audiences.
The decline in viewership for this year’s Masters may also be attributed to the ongoing discussions between the PGA and LIV regarding potential changes to the sport. These discussions have been ongoing for nearly two years, with progress being slow according to PGA commissioner Jay Monahan. The uncertainty surrounding the future of golf and potential changes to the sport may have contributed to a lack of interest among fans. Additionally, comparisons with past tournaments, such as Hideki Matsuyama’s victory in 2021, which also saw low viewership, suggest a broader trend of declining interest in golf telecasts.
In contrast, the previous year’s Masters tournament was highly successful, averaging 12.06 million viewers and becoming the most-watched golf telecast in the last five years. The competition between Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm, which saw a dramatic shift in the final round, was likely a key factor in attracting a larger audience. Koepka’s two-stroke lead was ultimately lost due to a final-round 75, allowing Rahm to secure a four-stroke victory. The excitement and unpredictability of this competition likely contributed to its high viewership and overall success.
Despite the challenges faced by this year’s Masters in terms of viewership, the sport of golf continues to evolve. Players like Scottie Scheffler, along with emerging talents like Will Zalatoris and Jon Rahm, bring new energy and excitement to the game. The ongoing discussions between the PGA and LIV suggest that changes may be on the horizon, aimed at revitalizing the sport and attracting a broader audience. While the Masters may have seen a decline in ratings this year, the future of golf remains promising, with opportunities for growth and innovation to engage fans and continue its legacy as a dynamic and captivating sport.
