NBC put up solid numbers for golf’s second major on Sunday.
Final round coverage of the 2010 U.S. Open, won by Graeme McDowell, drew a 6.9 overnight rating on NBC Sunday — up 35% from third and final round coverage last year (5.1), down 19% from 2008 (8.5) and down 1% from 2007 (7.0).
Coverage ended at 9:15 PM ET, an hour later than last year (8:15 PM). In 2008, Sunday coverage ended at 9 PM ET. Overnight ratings peaked during the final fifteen minutes, with a 9.6.
NBC won the night in primetime in total viewers and among adults 18-49.
The 6.9 overnight for the final round ranks directly in the middle of the pack dating back to 1998. Excluding years when Tiger Woods won the tournament, the 6.9 is the fourth-highest since ’98.
This is the first time since 2007 that the U.S. Open ended on a Sunday. Last year’s final round ended on a Monday, and the tournament ended with a Monday playoff in 2008.
On Saturday, third round coverage drew a 4.5 overnight rating, up 22% from second and third round coverage last year (3.7), down 15% from 2008 (5.3) and down 2% from 2007 (4.6).
The 4.6 marks the fourth-lowest overnight for Saturday coverage of the U.S. Open dating back to 1998.
Like Sunday’s telecast, Saturday’s third round action aired well into primetime, ending at 11:15 PM ET. Last year’s coverage ended at 8 PM ET, and coverage in 2008 ended at 10:30 PM ET.
NBC won Saturday night in total viewers, but finished second among adults 18-49.
Overnight Ratings For Weekend Coverage of the U.S. Open Since 1998
(Sports Business Daily; TV By The Numbers, 1, 2)
