In April 2025, Rory McIlroy’s green jacket-winning Sunday at the Masters delivered a significant boost in ratings for CBS. This Grand Slam-clinching win by McIlroy was not only compelling television but also a very early Christmas present for those in the business of making compelling television. The 12.7 million average viewer number for CBS’s final round at the Masters was the highest for a final round at golf’s first major since 2018. This surge in viewership was attributed to the heart-stopping finish, historic accomplishment, and the presence of golf’s two highest-wattage stars, Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, attracting more viewers to tune in.
The Masters TV numbers serve as a barometer for pro golf’s overall health, and McIlroy’s win in 2025 delivered some of the highest golf ratings in recent history. The peak audience for CBS’s Masters coverage reached 19.5 million, showcasing the significant interest generated by McIlroy’s tournament-clinching putt and emotional walk to the scoring tent. The average viewership for last year’s U.S. Open final round was significantly lower at 5.9 million, highlighting the difference in viewership between two major golf events and underscoring the importance of a strong Masters TV number for the overall health of professional golf.
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports recorded a record 1.3 million average audience for its coverage of the Masters’ final round, with a peak audience of 1.7 million during McIlroy’s walk. These numbers marked the largest golf audience in Sky Sports history, emphasizing the global appeal and impact of McIlroy’s victory. CBS’s Paramount Plus also experienced a triple-digit percentage growth in viewership year-over-year after adding two additional hours of Masters coverage on Saturday and Sunday. This move resulted in the largest non-NFL sports streaming day for Paramount Plus ever, showcasing the power of golf’s premier events in driving audience engagement.
The success of the Masters TV ratings in 2025 points to golf’s ability to make inroads with casual sports fans and reinforces the sport’s status as a significant player in the sports media landscape. The high viewership numbers for McIlroy’s victory demonstrate the appeal of major golf events and the potential for growth and engagement in the sport. The industry’s unanimous agreement on the positive impact of big numbers in major golf tournaments highlights the importance of events like the Masters in driving viewership and interest in professional golf.
Overall, the Masters TV ratings in 2025 represent a significant success for the sport of golf and underscore the continued interest and excitement surrounding major events like the Masters. Rory McIlroy’s historic win and career grand slam achievement captured the attention of millions of viewers, showcasing the power of compelling storylines and competitive performances in driving audience engagement. As golf continues to evolve and attract new audiences, events like the Masters play a crucial role in shaping the sport’s future trajectory and maintaining its position as a prominent player in the sports media landscape.
