Rory McIlroy’s triumphant return in 2025 has been a refreshing boost for golf enthusiasts worldwide. It’s not just his fans who are cheering—those working in the field of golf television have good reason to celebrate, too.
As the golf season kicks into high gear, the PGA Tour is experiencing a significant upswing in TV ratings after a tough 2024. While it’s important to take such data with caution, the consistent improvements in 2025’s numbers have piqued interest and merit a deeper look. So, what’s driving this change, and why are golf broadcasts regaining their audience?
Looking at the PGA Tour’s television success this year, there’s a reported 15% increase in Nielsen’s “Big Data” panel and notable gains in traditional ratings. These figures help alleviate the significant drops NBC and CBS faced in 2024. Golf’s TV presence is now more in line with general cable television trends, instilling hope as we approach the major season.
Meanwhile, LIV Golf is still struggling to draw significant viewers. Their broadcasts have fallen short of reaching substantial audiences, even lagging behind the impressive numbers from recent PGA Tour events. The disparity is stark—one PGA event commanded nearly 100 times the viewership of a competing LIV broadcast from Singapore. Despite LIV’s influence in news cycles, its tournaments have yet to capture the general public’s attention.
Although there’s limited data on the LPGA, there are reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming major season. Changes in pace-of-play rules could benefit the Tour’s viewership and enhance the broadcast experience.
Why is the PGA Tour seeing this resurgence in ratings? One straightforward explanation is that golf on TV is simply better in 2025. Key tournaments have been engaging and blessed with favorable weather, while figures like Rory McIlroy have delivered thrilling performances. The Tour has also managed to address talent gaps, previously highlighted by player exits, with an impressive array of emerging stars.
The Signature Events have certainly evolved, becoming more viewer-friendly and achieving their goal of being must-watch television. Such improvements are critical for capturing and keeping fan interest.
The PGA Tour is striving to realign with its audience through strategic changes to its format, schedule, and broadcasts. Initiatives like the Fan Forward program, which engaged over 50,000 respondents, have allowed the Tour to understand and cater to its core fans better than ever, enhancing the viewer experience.
Broadcasters, too, have played a role in this ratings comeback. Innovations and continuity in the broadcast teams have resulted in a more engaging and consistent television product. However, there’s still room for growth, as not every moment has been flawlessly captured on screen.
There’s an optimistic notion that the end of golf’s competitive tour wars might have a hand in this ratings revival. With LIV falling short in comparison, the established PGA Tour, bolstered by new talent, may simply be winning the viewership battle through consistent quality content and thrilling competitions.
As the golf world speculates on the causes of these exciting ratings developments, it’s likely a blend of all these factors. It might be a recovery of interest from fans disillusioned by prior turmoil, or perhaps adjustments in Nielsen’s methodologies favorably impact the numbers. While the unexpected upswing may even fall prey to future challenges, the current environment on golf television in 2025 is a welcome boon for the sport.
The ultimate takeaway here? Embrace the good news when it arrives.
