Scottie Scheffler’s arrest had a notable impact on the PGA Championship’s TV ratings, sparking reactions and discussions across the golf community and media landscape.
David Berson, CBS’s new chairman, didn’t hold back when discussing golf’s TV ratings. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves when it comes to the ratings stuff,” he stated firmly. Berson, the successor to longtime CBS lead Sean McManus, emphasized that the network isn’t concerned about ratings just yet. “We’d like for there to be unity in professional golf,” Berson said. “But I have faith that they will figure it out.”
The arrest of Scheffler on the Friday morning of the PGA Championship resulted in a spike in ratings over the weekend in Louisville. CBS saw a 10 percent increase in Sunday viewership compared to the previous year’s victory by Brooks Koepka. This increase was especially noteworthy given the competition from two blockbuster NBA Game 7s on the same day. Despite these challenges, the PGA numbers were the second-lowest in five years.
Scheffler’s arrest garnered significant attention, becoming a major talking point and contributing to a rise in ESPN’s Friday viewership by 18 percent compared to last May. The sensational nature of the story captivated audiences, an effect Berson referred to as the ‘Scottie Bump.’
While the ratings allowed CBS to share some positive news, the overall state of golf’s TV viewership remains a topic of interest, especially given past struggles like the near-record low Masters ratings. The ongoing divide between the LIV and PGA Tours contributes to this concern, and both sides have reportedly made minimal progress toward unification.
Berson stayed optimistic, emphasizing CBS’s commitment to golf. “I love golf. And CBS loves golf,” Berson said. “It’s our responsibility to tell stories and cover events to help sports fans enjoy watching something they genuinely love.”
Scottie Scheffler’s arrest undeniably caused a stir, leading to a notable uptick in TV ratings for the PGA Championship. While there are concerns over the state of golf’s viewership and the ongoing tour divide, CBS remains committed to delivering quality coverage and hopes for future unity in the sport.
Source: Golf
