Golf Viewership Declines
In a disturbing trend, both CBS and NBC saw significant decreases in television viewership in 2024.
CBS saw their weekend telecasts decrease by 17% compared to 2023. This is the second year of the lower Nielsen ratings for golf coverage. Last year saw viewer numbers drop by 14%. With both year’s losses reaching 31%, this decline cannot be making sponsors and advertisers too happy.
NBC viewership decline was not as noticeable only decreasing by 5% for early rounds and Sunday final rounds dipping by 2%.
Inclement weather was a factor at a few of the events, but that is something that the tour deals with every year.
Shifting Viewership to Digital and Streaming Platforms
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has said that the PGA Tour APP and website saw a 17% increase in visits to these platforms.
Social media engagement and PGA Tour videos also saw improved numbers, rising by 6%. Streaming on ESPN+ average minutes watched grew by 15%.
Although television network viewing is in decline, streaming and social media increases help offset the network losses.
LIV’s Impact
Although LIV seems to be an insignificant competitor for television time, the fact that several big names have jumped to the rival league and are absent from PGA Tour broadcasts is having a negative effect on the PGA Tour viewership.
Golfers want to see Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Cam Smith and Dustin Johnson battling for PGA Tour hardware. That coupled with the mass golfing public disturbed by the money-grubbing of professional golfers has contributed to the reduced viewership.
Also, failed negotiations, plus the ongoing tensions between the PGA Tour and LIV have led to viewer apathy.
Golf fans are more divided than ever about the game.
