The 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal saw a decline in television viewership compared to the 2022 edition at Quail Hollow Golf Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to Nielsen data reported by Sports Business Journal, the final day of the event on NBC attracted 1.37 million viewers, marking a 28 percent decrease from 2022’s audience of 1.89 million. Saturday’s coverage also experienced a decline, with 1.21 million viewers tuning in, down 36 percent from two years ago.
In comparison to other televised sporting events, the viewership numbers for the Presidents Cup were significantly lower. For example, an NFL matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers on CBS drew 24.1 million viewers, while the Thursday night football game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants on Amazon Prime attracted 16.2 million viewers. The Sunday viewership for the Presidents Cup was similar to Fox’s NFL Kickoff pre-game show and a WNBA Playoff series game.
Despite the decrease in viewership, the Presidents Cup still falls short of golf’s marquee events in terms of audience size. The final round of the 2024 Masters, for example, was viewed by 9.58 million people, while the final round of the 2024 U.S. Open, featuring a battle between Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy, attracted 5.9 million viewers across NBC and Peacock. These numbers highlight the challenges that the Presidents Cup faces in competing against more popular golf tournaments in terms of attracting viewers.
One possible factor contributing to the decline in viewership for the Presidents Cup could be the location of the event. Royal Montreal, while a prestigious golf course, may not have the same level of recognition or appeal as venues like Augusta National for the Masters or Pebble Beach for the U.S. Open. Additionally, the timing of the event, which coincided with college football and other popular sporting events, may have also impacted viewership numbers.
Another potential explanation for the lower viewership of the Presidents Cup could be the lack of star power or compelling storylines in the tournament. While the event features top golfers from around the world, it may not have the same level of intrigue as events where players like Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson are competing. Without recognizable names or high-stakes rivalries, casual viewers may be less inclined to tune in to the Presidents Cup.
In order to increase viewership and attract more attention to the Presidents Cup in future editions, organizers may need to explore strategies to enhance the event’s appeal. This could involve securing more prominent venues, scheduling the tournament during a less competitive time period, or promoting the event with engaging storylines and marketing campaigns. By addressing these factors, the Presidents Cup has the potential to grow its audience and establish itself as a must-watch event in the world of golf.
