Ratings for PGA Tour telecasts in 2025 have been paltry at best, continuing a troubling trend from the 2024 season that saw year-to-year decreases across the board. But after seeing the ratings from Rory McIlroy’s historic win at Pebble Beach, executives at both the PGA Tour and CBS can breathe a massive sigh of relief.
Sunday’s final round telecast averaged 3.33 million viewers, making it the most-watched final round of any PGA Tour event dating to March 2024, when Scottie Scheffler stormed from behind to win The Players Championship. Coverage peaked with nearly four million viewers as McIlroy strolled down the 18th fairway without any pressure, knowing his 27th career PGA Tour title was already in hand.
McIlroy’s worldwide popularity obviously played a role as he is arguably the most popular player on the planet not named Tiger Woods. Hosting a Signature Event at a prestigious course like Pebble Beach helps too, which McIlroy alluded to on the CBS broadcast after his win.
“There’s a few what I would call cathedrals of golf: here, Augusta, St Andrews obviously, maybe a few more you could add in there,” McIlroy said.
“I had a big fat zero on all of those going in here. To knock one off at Pebble is very cool. Yeah, I’m a big historian of the game and I remember all the championships that have been played here, and to add my name to that list is pretty cool.”
Golf fans around the world recognize Pebble Beach immediately, thanks to it being one of the most picturesque courses on the planet. It hosts the U.S. Open routinely and is a bucket list item every golfer hopes to play someday.
CBS producers and directors also did a terrific job incorporating new technology, such as drone shots, tracers, and other visuals, emphasizing Pebble Beach’s unique character and beauty. McIlroy’s tee shot on the par-5 14th and everyone’s approaches into the par-3 17th come to mind.
On top of that, 45 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings competed this past week. Scheffler, the current World No. 1, made his PGA Tour season debut — as did three-time major winner Jordan Spieth. Both were returning from injury, giving fans another reason to tune in. It felt like the unofficial start to the PGA Tour season with all the star-power competing.
Perhaps the tour and CBS can continue to ride the momentum at this week’s WM Phoenix Open.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Follow him on X @jack_milko.
