A move from broadcast to cable and a victory by the generally unknown Louis Oosthuizen helped drag down the numbers for the 2010 British Open.
ESPN drew a 2.6 overnight rating for final round coverage of the British Open on Sunday, down 33% from last year (3.9), down 26% from 2008 (3.5) and down 37% from 2007 (4.1). Prior to this year, final round coverage of the event aired on ABC.
The 2.6 overnight is the lowest ever for final round coverage of the British Open, nearly a full point lower than the previous low of 3.5.
As recently as 2006, final round coverage drew a 5.0 overnight. That was the final year Tiger Woods won the event.
Surprisingly, Saturday’s third round did better in the ratings, drawing a 2.7 overnight — up 13% from last year (2.4), down 4% from 2008 (2.8) and even with 2007 (2.7).
Overnights for the British Open highlight shows on ABC over the weekend were not immediately available.
Overnight Ratings For Final Round of The British Open Since 1996
(Sports Business Daily)
