The 2009 Masters got off to a good start in the ratings on ESPN.
According to fast-national data, first round coverage of The Masters drew a 2.4 U.S. rating (2.8 cable) and 3.4 million viewers on ESPN Thursday afternoon, up 33% and 38% respectively from a 1.8 and 2.4 million for first round coverage in ’08.
Thursday’s first round coverage finishes as the fourth-most viewed golf telecast ever on cable in households and total viewers, behind second-round coverage of The Masters in ’98 and ’08 and last year’s U.S. Open playoff.
ESPN also saw success online, as ESPN360.com saw a 28% increase in total streams for its online coverage of the first round, and a 208% increase in total hours viewed.
On a less positive note, coverage of The Masters Par 3 Tournament drew a 0.8 cable rating and 977,000 viewers on Wednesday, down 11% and 6% from a 0.9 and 1.0 million in ’08.
