Do people still watch the Masters in 2024?

By Fan Arch March 12, 2024 22:46

The Masters golf tournament, despite being labeled as the "Rich Man's Sport," continues to captivate viewers worldwide, attracting a diverse audience across various demographics. Let's delve into the viewership statistics, trends, and the factors that contribute to the ongoing popularity of this prestigious event.

Worldwide Golf Viewership Statistics

Golf is a globally popular sport, boasting approximately 450 million fans. The sport has a strong following in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and North America. Notably, the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in 2022 reached a staggering 423 million viewers in the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting the rising popularity of golf in Asia. The PGA Tour, on the other hand, recorded over 1.7 million more audiences than LIV Golf, demonstrating its enduring appeal. Furthermore, The Masters 2023 Finals attracted over 16.25 million combined total viewers, with the final round peaking at over 15 million viewers.

Shifts in Viewer Demographics

Traditionally regarded as a sport for the elite, golf's viewer demographics have been evolving. In the past, golf viewership was predominantly male, middle-aged, and high-income. However, with an increase in female athletes and younger generations taking an interest in the sport, the demographic trends are gradually shifting. As of mid-2022, only 15% of women watch golf sometimes or often, despite a 15% increase in women playing golf between 2019-2022. This shift highlights the need to attract more women and younger individuals to the sport.

Impact of Major Tournaments on Viewership

The Masters golf tournament has seen fluctuations in viewership over the years. Despite Jon Rahm's victory recording 15.02 million viewers during the 2023 PGA Masters Tournament, the final round ratings were the highest in three years, albeit still below historical norms. The 2022 final round was the most-watched golf broadcast on any network since Tiger Woods' victory in the same tournament in 2019.

Influence of Broadcasting Networks

The partnership between LIV Golf and CW network, despite the wide viewership gap compared to the PGA Tour, shows promising potential for growth. LIV's TV debut recorded an average of less than 300,000 viewers, indicating room for improvement. In contrast, the PGA Tour's Honda Classic finals on NBC averaged 2.38 million viewers, showcasing the influence of network partnerships on viewership.

Social Media and Engagement

The PGA Tour has experienced a 31% increase in social media engagement, indicating a growing online fan base. Moreover, the U.S. Open 2022 recorded a 2.9 rating, the lowest since 1988, despite attracting 9.2 million viewers during Matt Fitzpatrick's final hole, making it the fourth most-watched event in 2022.

Streaming Trends

CBS reported that the 2022 Masters ranked as the most-streamed golf tournament ever on its streaming platforms Paramount+ and the CBS Sports app and website. However, exact streaming figures were not disclosed, highlighting the increasing importance of digital platforms in modern viewership trends.

The Future of Golf Viewership

The statistics show that golf is not only popular among the elite but is steadily growing in terms of players, fans, and viewership. The rising interest in the Asian region, along with events such as LIV Golf, is attracting a younger audience. However, the challenge lies in attracting more women, younger individuals, and lower-income individuals to the sport.

The Masters golf tournament continues to command a significant viewership, both on traditional television and digital streaming platforms. Despite facing challenges such as shifting demographics and competition from other golf events, the Masters remains a cornerstone of the golfing world, captivating millions of viewers and sustaining its status as one of the most prestigious events in the sport.

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