Though up double-digits from last year, day two of The Masters was among the least-watched on ESPN.
Second round coverage of The Masters drew a 2.1 rating and 3.0 million viewers on ESPN Friday afternoon, according to Nielsen fast-nationals — up 17% in ratings and 20% in viewership from last year (1.8, 2.5M) but down 30% in both measures from 2013 (3.0, 4.2).
Ratings and viewership were the second-lowest for Friday coverage of The Masters since ESPN began airing the tournament in 2008, ahead of only last year. This marks only the second time since ESPN acquired rights that the second round earned fewer viewers than the first.
The relatively low numbers mark a reversal from the tournament’s strong start. Thursday’s first round was the highest rated and most-watched in five years, and Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest set records in both measures.
Overall, ESPN averaged a 2.2 rating and 3.1 million viewers for its two-day coverage of The Masters, up 38% in ratings and viewership from last year (1.6, 2.2M). This year’s Masters ranks fifth out of the eight televised by ESPN, ahead of last year, 2011 (3.0M) and 2008 (3.0M).
(Fri. numbers from ESPN Media Zone)
