The third major of the golf season scored double-digit increases in ratings and viewership on ESPN.
Final round coverage of the 2012 British Open drew a 3.1 U.S. rating and 4.227 million viewers on ESPN Sunday morning and afternoon, up 35% in ratings and 30% in viewership from last year (2.3, 3.246M), and up 48% and 43%, respectively, from 2010 (2.1, 2.966M).
This marks the highest rated and most-viewed final round of the British Open since ABC last televised the event in 2009 (3.8, 5.545M).
For some perspective, ESPN drew a 2.5 and 3.925 million viewers for the recent Roger Federer/Andy Murray Wimbledon men’s final.
On Saturday, third round action drew a 2.6 and 3.545 million viewers — up 44% in ratings and 38% in viewership from last year (1.8, 2.564M), and up 13% in both measures compared to 2010 (2.3, 3.128M).
In other British Open action, Friday’s second round coverage drew a 1.4 and 1.771 million viewers, while first round action on Thursday drew a 1.1 and 1.343 million.
(This year’s numbers from ESPN, ESPN Media Zone)
