The last golf tournament before Tiger Woods‘ return saw a significant boost in the ratings.
The final round of the Northern Trust Open drew a 3.5/7 overnight rating on CBS Sunday, up 30% from a 2.7/5 for final round coverage of the same event in ’08, and the highest overnight of 2009 for a PGA golf tournament.
The increased rating can likely be attributed to the fact that Phil Mickelson, who moves the needle more than any other golfer excluding Woods, won the event. Additionally, the momentum gained from news of Woods’ return may have also resulted in a few more viewers than last year.
Third round coverage of the Northern Trust Open drew a much less impressive 1.8/4 overnight, off 14% from last year’s 2.1. Overall, CBS averaged a 2.7 overnight rating for its two-day coverage of the event, up 13% from a 2.4 in ’08.
Overnight ratings for final round PGA events on broadcast in 2009.
* canceled due to rain
3.5/7: Northern Trust Open (Sun., 2/22/09, 3 PM CBS)
1.1/2: Pebble Beach National Pro-Am* (Sun., 2/15/09, 3 PM CBS)
2.1/4: Buick Invitational (Sun., 2/8/09, 3 PM CBS)
1.5/3: FBR Open (Sun., 2/1/09, 3 PM CBS)
