Posted:
#1
As we all know by now, Tiger Woods will not tee off tomorrow at Congressional for the U.S. Open.
A disappointment for the PGA Tour? Yes.
A crippling blow to the ratings? Think again.
According the Sports Business Journal, golf ratings are up almost 30 percent compared to last year and while the drop in viewership in 2010 can be directly tied to the long absence of Tiger Woods, the numbers suggest the rebound in 2011 has nothing to do with Eldrick.
There’s no question Tiger’s rocket to the top took the PGA from fringe to mainstream sport. His dominance captured the attention of an ADD generation, converting golf from an exclusive hobby to a sport of the people.
And while there were some doubts whether the PGA could maintain its popularity without Tiger playing a playing a major role, it’s safe to say the tour can not only survive but thrive in the post-Woods era.
The proof? The U.S. Open will be the 20th PGA event Tiger has missed this season but both NBC and CBS are reporting large increases in TV ratings in 2011. And that’s with Europeans dominating and the Steve Stricker as the highest rated American player.
Sure, a healthy and competitive Tiger helps the tour, but Woods is no longer a crutch superficially propping the PGA up.
Woods drew the fringe fans in. The PGA is proving it can keep them.
A disappointment for the PGA Tour? Yes.
A crippling blow to the ratings? Think again.
According the Sports Business Journal, golf ratings are up almost 30 percent compared to last year and while the drop in viewership in 2010 can be directly tied to the long absence of Tiger Woods, the numbers suggest the rebound in 2011 has nothing to do with Eldrick.
There’s no question Tiger’s rocket to the top took the PGA from fringe to mainstream sport. His dominance captured the attention of an ADD generation, converting golf from an exclusive hobby to a sport of the people.
And while there were some doubts whether the PGA could maintain its popularity without Tiger playing a playing a major role, it’s safe to say the tour can not only survive but thrive in the post-Woods era.
The proof? The U.S. Open will be the 20th PGA event Tiger has missed this season but both NBC and CBS are reporting large increases in TV ratings in 2011. And that’s with Europeans dominating and the Steve Stricker as the highest rated American player.
Sure, a healthy and competitive Tiger helps the tour, but Woods is no longer a crutch superficially propping the PGA up.
Woods drew the fringe fans in. The PGA is proving it can keep them.
0
Hot Forum Topics
