The inaugural broadcast of LIV Golf on Fox Sports has yielded a mixed bag of results, leaving many to ponder the implications of the fledgling league’s viewership numbers. Depending on one’s perspective, the ratings can be viewed as either a disappointing start or a modest beginning for the Saudi-backed golf league.
According to reports, the final round of LIV Riyadh drew an average audience of 54,000 on FS1 and 31,000 on FS2. While these numbers may seem underwhelming, it’s essential to consider the context and the league’s growth trajectory. LIV Golf’s partnership with Fox Sports was hailed as a significant milestone, potentially ushering in a new era of TV viability and stability for the league.
However, when compared to the PGA Tour’s viewership numbers, LIV Golf’s ratings appear lackluster. The PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open, broadcast on CBS, drew an average audience of 2.874 million viewers, dwarfing LIV Golf’s largest audience by a factor of 53. This disparity raises questions about LIV Golf’s ability to compete with the established PGA Tour in terms of viewership.
It’s worth noting that LIV Golf’s previous broadcasts on the CW drew larger audiences, with some events reaching up to 300,000 viewers. In contrast, the league’s opening weekend on Fox Sports drew smaller U.S. audiences, with the lowest-rated broadcast, Thursday’s opening round, attracting a mere 12,000 average viewers.
To put these numbers into perspective, the 12,000 viewers who tuned in for LIV Golf’s opening round represent the smallest audience for a league broadcast on record. This lackluster start has led some to question whether LIV Golf’s partnership with Fox Sports will ultimately yield the desired results.
Despite these challenges, LIV Golf remains committed to its mission of disrupting the traditional golf landscape and providing a unique, high-energy product that appeals to a new generation of fans. While the league’s TV ratings may not be where they want them to be just yet, LIV Golf is confident that its innovative approach, coupled with the star power of its players, will eventually resonate with audiences and drive growth.
As the golf world continues to watch LIV Golf’s development with interest, one thing is clear: the league’s success will depend on its ability to adapt, innovate, and ultimately, deliver a compelling product that resonates with viewers. While the initial TV ratings may be disappointing, LIV Golf remains committed to its vision and is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of professional golf.
