Ratings and viewership for the first round of The Masters were the highest in five years.
First round coverage of The Masters drew a 2.2 rating and 3.2 million viewers on ESPN Thursday afternoon, according to Nielsen fast-nationals — up 47% in ratings and 60% in viewership from last year (1.5, 2.0M), up 10% and 13%, respectively, from 2013 (2.0, 2.9M), and the highest rated, most-watched opening round of the tournament since 2010 (3.4, 4.9M).
Overall, ratings and viewership were the third-highest for first round coverage of The Masters since ESPN began airing the event in 2008, trailing only 2010 and 2009 (2.4, 3.4M).
Both this year and in 2010, the first round generated extra interest due to Tiger Woods‘ return from a lengthy hiatus. Woods missed nine weeks of competitive golf entering this year’s tournament, and four months leading into 2010.
West Palm Beach and Columbus, OH, tied as the top markets for Thursday’s telecast (4.2). Greenville, SC (4.0), Jacksonville and Oklahoma City (3.9 in both markets) rounded out the top five.
(Thu. numbers from ESPN)
