The official viewership figures for this year’s Masters tournament indicated a notable shift following Rory McIlroy’s comments on the ongoing conflicts between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. While the opening round experienced a surge in viewership, the final round saw a significant drop, prompting concerns about the future of men’s professional golf.
In the United States, the opening round attracted an average of 3.2 million viewers on ESPN, marking a 26% increase from the previous year and the highest first-round audience since 2015. The combined two-day average of 3.4 million viewers was the best since 2018. However, the final round experienced a marked 20% decrease in viewership compared to the previous year, with CBS reporting an average viewership of 9.589 million. This marked the lowest-rated Masters since Hideki Matsuyama’s victory in 2021, raising questions about the impact of the ongoing conflicts on golf viewership.
Rory McIlroy, a vocal supporter of the PGA Tour, has publicly criticised LIV Golf for over a year, citing ongoing disputes and conflicts between the two organisations as a likely cause for the decline in viewership. His concerns were further amplified by the impact of the ongoing conflicts on major championships and the eligibility of LIV golfers to earn Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) points, which are essential for major invites and Olympic participation.
McIlroy’s concerns were also evident in his reaction to the Masters, where he closely followed Scottie Scheffler’s victory. Speculation arose about McIlroy potentially joining the league on a lucrative deal, though his manager Sean O’Flaherty has since denied such reports. McIlroy also expressed regret for his initial stance towards LIV and admitted to judging players who joined the league, acknowledging the significant financial incentives offered to early adopters.
The decline in viewership for the final round of the Masters has raised questions about the future of professional golf and the potential impact of ongoing conflicts on the sport’s overall viewership. While the surge in the opening round showcased continued interest in the sport, the subsequent decline has underscored the need for resolving conflicts between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to ensure the sustained appeal of men’s professional golf.
In conclusion, Rory McIlroy’s criticism of the ongoing conflicts between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has brought attention to the impact on golf viewership, major championships, and the overall interest in the sport. The fluctuation in viewership during this year’s Masters has raised questions about the future of professional golf, highlighting the need for collaboration and resolution between the two organisations to ensure the continued appeal and success of men’s professional golf.