Television ratings for the Bridgestone Invitational were among the lowest for the event, but topped the most recent major.
Final round coverage of the PGA Tour Bridgestone Invitational drew a 2.5 final rating and 3.7 million viewers on CBS last Sunday, down 22% in ratings and 21% in viewership from Tiger Woods‘ victory last year (3.2, 4.6M). The 2.5 rating is the fourth-lowest for final round coverage since the tournament began its current format in 1999.
Despite the lower numbers, Sunday’s coverage was the highest rated and most-watched golf telecast since the final round of the U.S. Open in June (3.0, 4.6M), topping comparable coverage of the most recent major — the British Open on ESPN (2.3, 3.3M). The telecast also outdrew the final round of the so-called fifth major, The Players Championship on NBC (2.1, 3.0M).
Third round action last Saturday drew a 1.6 final rating and 2.2 million viewers, down 39% and 40%, respectively, from last year (2.6, 3.6M).
(Wknd. numbers from Sports Business Daily)
