For forty-eight weeks during the year, golf is roughly as pop culturally relevant as regular season hockey or new episodes of Perfect Couples. There’s just not much excitement in any demographic that’s not affluent white males over forty, but for four Sundays a year, casual viewers take notice. Sure, the prize money may be roughly the same as other PGA tour events, but the man on the street cares a hell of a lot more who wins golf’s four yearly majors. When a big name is in contention, even more tune in; so, it’s not surprising as Tiger Woods grabbed his first share of a major lead in years, the ratings reflected it.
According to Deadline, the Masters posted a twenty-two share yesterday, down a bit from last year but substantially higher than the previous eight tournaments. Ultimate winner Charl Schwartzel may not have brought in many of those viewers, but Tiger Woods squaring off with twenty-one year old phenom Rory McIlroy was certainly a draw.
I like golf, at for four weeks during the year. There’s something riveting about watching the best in a profession choke under extreme pressure. Unfortunately, only two of the last ten major winners had won one of golf’s biggest four prior to their victories. Diversity is great up to a point. People like seeing the occasional fresh face surprise the world and claim victory, but more often than not, they’d rather see duels between the Phil Mickelson’s, Tiger Woods’ and Ernie Els’. Come’on guys. These ratings were great, but imagine what they’d be if two of you battled it out on Sunday. You’ve got three chances left this year. Make it happen.
