Rory McIlroy’s resurgence in the 2025 golf season has been a welcome sight for fans and broadcasters alike. The PGA Tour has seen a significant boost in TV ratings, with a 15 percent year-over-year increase in Nielsen’s “Big Data” panel and high-single-digit boosts in traditional ratings. This marks a stark contrast to the dismal ratings experienced in the 2024 season. The improved numbers have sparked curiosity and optimism among executives, especially as the major season approaches.
While the PGA Tour has seen a resurgence in ratings, the newly launched LIV league has struggled to attract viewers. With broadcasts failing to reach more than 50,000 average viewers, LIV’s impact on the golf news cycle remains minimal. In contrast, the PGA Tour continues to draw larger audiences, with recent tournaments outperforming LIV by a significant margin. Despite the challenges faced by the LIV league, the PGA Tour’s broadcast partners at Golf Channel are poised for success with a recent overhaul focusing on improving pace of play.
Theories abound regarding the reasons behind the PGA Tour’s ratings boost. Some attribute it to the overall quality of golf on TV in 2025, with exciting storylines, compelling finishes, and talented players like Rory McIlroy contributing to the appeal. Others suggest that the PGA Tour’s alignment with its fanbase and changes in format have played a role in attracting viewers. Broadcasters have also made improvements, with CBS and NBC enhancing their coverage and providing a better viewing experience for fans.
Despite the positive trends in PGA Tour ratings, some skepticism remains about the reasons behind the resurgence. Questions linger about whether the Tour’s success is sustainable and if other factors, such as Nielsen’s methodology changes, are influencing the numbers. Additionally, the competition with the LIV league and the impact of missing star players like Tiger Woods are factors to consider in the ongoing ratings battle. However, the current good tidings for golf on TV signal a positive outlook for the sport.
As golf enters its high season and major championships approach, the focus will be on sustaining the momentum in TV ratings. The PGA Tour’s continued success will rely on delivering high-quality tournaments, engaging storylines, and a compelling broadcast experience for viewers. With the support of broadcast partners, improvements in pace of play, and the star power of players like Rory McIlroy, the future looks promising for golf on TV.
In conclusion, the resurgence of the PGA Tour in 2025 has been a welcome development for golf fans and broadcasters. With improved TV ratings and increased viewer engagement, the sport is poised for success during the upcoming major season. While challenges remain, including competition from the LIV league and the absence of star players, the overall outlook for golf on TV is positive. By continuing to deliver exciting tournaments, compelling storylines, and high-quality broadcasts, the PGA Tour can build on its current success and attract even more viewers in the future.
