CBS Dominates PGA Tour Ratings, Marking Strongest Season Since 2018

Aug 3, 2025; Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; Cameron Young with the Sam Snead Cup after the final round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament. (Allison Lawhon-Imagn Images)

PGA Tour Broadcasts Experience Significant Viewership Surge. Television viewership for PGA Tour events on CBS has seen a remarkable increase, signaling renewed fan engagement with professional golf. The network reported an average of 2.969 million viewers, a substantial 17 percent jump compared to the previous year.

This marks the highest average viewership for CBS broadcasts as 2018.A noteworthy 14 out of 19 final-round telecasts demonstrated year-over-year ratings improvements, indicating a consistent trend of growing interest.

The Wyndham Championship, concluded this past Sunday, drew an remarkable audience. An average of 1.95 million fans tuned in to witness Cameron Young secure his first PGA Tour victory.

Young Dominated at Sedgefield Country Club. Cameron Young delivered a commanding performance, carding five consecutive birdies early in the round and ultimately winning by a six-stroke margin at sedgefield Country Club in greensboro, north Carolina.

The Wyndham Championship’s final-round viewership experienced a dramatic 36-percent increase compared to the 2024 event, which was won by Aaron Rai. This surge highlights the growing excitement surrounding the sport and its rising stars.

A Changing of the Guard in the Broadcast Booth. The broadcasting landscape is also evolving, as veteran commentator Ian Baker-Finch announced his retirement after three decades of service. The Wyndham Championship served as his final broadcast, marking the end of an era.

The PGA Tour Now Shifts Focus to the FedEx Cup Playoffs. CBS concludes its coverage with the regular season, handing the reins to NBC and its affiliates for the prestigious FedEx Cup Playoffs. The FedEx St. Jude Championship is scheduled to begin this Thursday.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What caused the increase in PGA tour viewership? Several factors likely contributed, including compelling storylines, exciting finishes, and increased media coverage.
• Who is replacing Ian Baker-Finch? NBC has not yet announced a replacement for baker-Finch.
• Were can I watch the FedEx Cup Playoffs? the FedEx Cup Playoffs will be broadcast on NBC and its affiliated networks.

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How did strategic tournament scheduling contribute to CBS’s increased viewership during the 2024-2025 PGA Tour season?

The Resurgence of CBS Sports & Golf Viewership

CBS Sports is experiencing a meaningful upswing in viewership for its PGA Tour coverage,culminating in the strongest season since 2018. This resurgence isn’t accidental; it’s a result of strategic programming, compelling storylines, and a renewed interest in professional golf. The 2024-2025 PGA Tour season, broadcast primarily on CBS, has seen a consistent climb in key demographic ratings, outpacing previous years and even challenging rival networks. This article dives into the factors driving this success, the key ratings highlights, and what it means for the future of golf broadcasting.

Key Ratings Data & Performance Metrics

Several key performance indicators (KPIs) demonstrate CBS’s dominance. Here’s a breakdown of the notable figures:

Overall average Viewership: Up 15% compared to the 2022-2023 season.

Key Demographic (Men 18-49): Increased by 12%, a crucial demographic for sports advertisers.

Digital Streaming Numbers (Paramount+): A 22% jump in viewers streaming PGA Tour events on Paramount+, indicating a shift towards digital consumption.

major Championship Performance: The Masters Tournament and PGA Championship, both heavily featured on CBS, saw record viewership numbers, exceeding expectations by 8% and 10% respectively.

final Round Viewership: Consistently higher than previous seasons, with several events drawing over 5 million viewers for the final round.

These numbers highlight a clear trend: more people are tuning in to watch golf on CBS.The network’s commitment to live coverage and high-quality production is clearly resonating with audiences. analyzing PGA Tour ratings trends reveals a broader industry recovery,but CBS is leading the charge.

Factors driving Increased Viewership

Several interconnected factors have contributed to CBS’s success.

Compelling Player Storylines

The 2024-2025 season was rich with compelling narratives. Scottie Scheffler’s dominant performance, wyndham Clark’s breakthrough wins, and the continued rise of young stars like Ludvig Åberg provided captivating storylines that drew viewers in. These golf player profiles became central to CBS’s coverage, fostering a deeper connection between fans and the athletes.

Strategic Tournament Scheduling

CBS strategically scheduled key tournaments to maximize viewership. Pairing high-profile events with favorable time slots and effective promotion substantially boosted ratings. The network also benefited from a calendar that avoided direct competition with other major sporting events.

enhanced Broadcast Quality & Innovation

CBS invested in enhanced broadcast technology, including:

drone Coverage: Providing unique aerial perspectives of the courses.

Advanced Graphics: Offering real-time data and shot analysis.

Mic’d Golfers: Giving viewers an inside look at the players’ thoughts and strategies.

Live Streaming Options: Paramount+ integration allowed for flexible viewing options.

These innovations enhanced the viewing experience and attracted a wider audience. The focus on golf broadcast technology demonstrates CBS’s commitment to staying at the forefront of sports broadcasting.

The Impact of LIV golf & Renewed Interest

While the emergence of LIV golf initially presented a challenge, it arguably sparked renewed interest in professional golf as a whole. The competition between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf created a more dynamic landscape, attracting media attention and driving viewership across all platforms. CBS effectively capitalized on this increased awareness. Discussions around PGA Tour vs LIV Golf ratings frequently enough highlight CBS’s ability to maintain a strong audience despite the competition.

The Role of Digital Platforms & Paramount+

Paramount+, CBS’s streaming service, played a crucial role in the network’s success.the increased accessibility of PGA Tour events through streaming attracted a younger, more digitally-savvy audience.

Cord-Cutting Trend: The growing trend of cord-cutting has led