TV Ratings: McIlroy’s Masters Triumph Largest In 7 Years

Rory McIlroy’s heart-pounding victory at The Masters on Sunday, securing a career-defining grand slam, delivered a blockbuster audience that underscored golf’s enduring appeal when drama peaks. 

The final round averaged 12.71 million viewers, a massive 33% surge from last year’s 9.59 million, making it the most-watched golf telecast on any network in seven years. Viewership hit a high of 19.54 million during its climax, surpassing the NFL’s regular-season average last year and cementing the event as a cultural touchstone.

The numbers mark a stunning turnaround from earlier rounds that suggested a quieter tournament.

Thursday’s opening round, golf’s first major of the season, struggled on ESPN with a 28% drop from 2024, averaging just 2.3 million viewers. The absence of Tiger Woods, a perennial ratings magnet, was keenly felt. Friday’s second round didn’t fare much better, dipping 14% year-over-year to 3.1 million. Yet, the tide began to turn on Saturday, as the third round drew 7.6 million viewers—a 16% increase from last year—setting the stage for an electrifying finale.

Sunday’s showdown featured a marquee pairing of McIlroy, a steadfast PGA Tour advocate, and LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau, adding a layer of narrative tension amid golf’s ongoing schism. The round seemed destined for a comfortable McIlroy win when he surged to a four-shot lead entering the back nine. But the leaderboard erupted as Justin Rose and others clawed back, forcing a sudden-death playoff. McIlroy’s gritty triumph over Rose to claim his first Green Jacket delivered the kind of edge-of-your-seat spectacle that defines sports at its best.

The telecast’s success highlights how unpredictable, high-stakes competition can captivate audiences, even after a sluggish start. McIlroy’s win didn’t just complete his grand slam—it reminded viewers why The Masters remains a singular event, capable of drawing millions to witness history unfold in real time.