Despite a dramatic finish, overnight ratings for The Masters fell double-digits on CBS.
Final round coverage of The Masters earned an 8.5 overnight rating on CBS Sunday afternoon, down 12% from last year (9.6) and up 9% from 2014 (7.8). The 8.5 is the fourth-lowest for final round coverage in the past two decades (dating back to 1996), ahead of only 2004, 2012 (8.1) and 2004 (7.3).
This year’s tournament was just the second over that span to not feature Tiger Woods, who was absent due to injury. Since Woods turned pro, overnights for the Masters have declined in five of the seven years he has skipped the tournament or fallen out of the top ten — the only exceptions being 1999 and last year.
Overnights declined despite new star Jordan Spieth taking center stage throughout the weekend, leading through 54-holes as he sought his second straight Masters victory and then collapsing on Sunday’s back nine.
Third round action on Saturday delivered a 5.7, down 12% from last year’s 6.5 but up 30% from a 4.4 in 2014. The 5.7 is tied as the third-lowest for Saturday coverage in the past 20 years.
(Wknd. numbers via ShowBuzz Daily)
