Tiger Woods moves the ratings dial

When Tiger Woods is in contention for a tournament championship, the ratings go through the roof.  Associated Press photo

By Jason Lewis

Sentinel Sports Editor

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Many people still do not like Tiger Woods after his off the course activities ruined his repetition, but there is no question that when Woods is involved in a tournament, people watch.  Simply having Woods in contention on the final day of a tournament earns television stations huge ratings.

This past weekend Woods won the Memorial Tournament, and CBS reported that they earned a 3.8 rating and a nine share, which is 138 percent higher than last year when the tournament had a 1.7 rating.

During the Masters tournament this past April, with Woods out of contention on the final day, the ratings were an 8.1.  The year before, with Woods making a late charge on the final day, the viewership was 22 percent higher with a rating of 10.4.

Back in March at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, when Woods won his first PGA Tour tournament since 2009, the final round ratings were up 129 percent from the year before, and the 4.8 rating was the best that the tournament has had since 2009.

This is more proof that Woods is bigger than the sport itself, because no other player attracts as much attention as he does, and he brings in more viewers by himself than the rest of the sport does without him.

Woods has earned over $1 billion through career winnings and endorsements, but he is not the only one cashing in on his fame, the entire sport is.  His fellow competitors are all millionaires because tournaments can pay out more money due to the higher ratings.  More golfers are visible now because they are seen playing along side Woods, which increases their value.

It is in the sport of golf’s best interest to have Woods regain his championship form and make a run at Jack Nicklaus’ record for most major championships.  Woods’ Memorial Tournament victory tied him with Nicklaus for most ever PGA Tour wins at 73, but Nicklaus has won 18 Majors, compared to Woods’ 14.  

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