Masters TV Ratings Dip: What it Means for Golf’s Future

In a surprising turn of events, the recent Masters tournament saw a significant drop in television ratings, with Scottie Scheffler’s victory resulting in a 20 percent decrease in viewership for CBS. While Augusta National may not be overly concerned about the ratings, the decline has raised questions about the overall health of professional golf’s TV product.

Outgoing CBS chairman Sean McManus seemed unfazed by the ratings dip, stating that the Masters is consistently the highest-rated golf tournament of the year. However, the numbers tell a different story. With only 9.59 million average viewers tuning in to Scheffler’s victory, the Masters Sunday telecast was the third-lowest-rated in history, trailing only the Covid-impacted years of 2020 and 2021.

The decline in ratings is reflective of a larger trend in professional golf, with the PGA Tour also experiencing a drop in viewership throughout 2024. The lack of compelling storylines, controversies, and a fragmented field of performing stars have all contributed to the decline in interest among viewers.

While Augusta National may not be overly concerned about the ratings, ANGC chairman Fred Ridley acknowledged the downward trend in golf viewership on linear television compared to other sports. The lack of frequent gatherings of the best players in the world has also been cited as a factor in the declining TV product of golf.

Moving forward, stakeholders in professional golf must find a solution to reunify the sport and bring together its best players more frequently. Without a concerted effort to address the issues affecting the TV product of golf, the sport risks facing further declines in viewership and profitability. The time for action is now, as the future of professional golf hangs in the balance.