Though up big from last year, overnights for the final round of the U.S. Open were among the lowest in years.
Final round coverage of the U.S. Open drew a 4.8 overnight rating on FOX Sunday, up 46% from last year’s record low (3.3) and down 21% from 2013 (6.1), both on NBC. The 4.8 is the third-lowest for final round coverage since at least 1987, according to Sports Business Daily, ahead of only last year and 1988.
This year’s U.S. Open took place on the West Coast, allowing for extensive primetime coverage in the East. Compared to previous West Coast editions of the tournament, Sunday’s 4.8 overnight declined 27% from 2012 (6.6) and 30% from 2010 (6.9).
Sunday’s overnight peaked with an 8.0 from 10-10:30 PM ET.
Compared to other recent golf tournaments, the U.S. Open trailed the final rounds of The Masters (9.6) and last year’s PGA Championship (6.0), both on CBS. It did top last year’s final round of the British Open on ESPN (2.6).
Third round coverage, for which fast-national numbers have already been reported, drew a 3.3 overnight rating — up 27% from last year (2.6) and down 25% from 2013 (4.4). Compared to the last West Coast U.S. Open in 2012, it declined 40% from a 5.5.
(Sun. overnights from Sports Business Daily)
