In recent years, the television ratings for PGA Tour events have seen a significant decline. The 2025 American Express tournament in La Quinta exemplifies this trend with a dramatic 57% drop from the previous year. While the 2024 event featured an amateur victory by Nick Dunlap and appearances by top golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, the 2025 edition lacked such star power and historical significance. This downturn is part of a broader trend affecting golf's TV viewership since 2023, raising concerns about the sport's appeal to audiences.

Declining Viewership at the 2025 American Express Tournament

In the crisp, early days of the new year, the 2025 American Express tournament in La Quinta saw a sharp decline in television ratings compared to its predecessor. The 2024 event was memorable for its historic win by amateur Nick Dunlap and the presence of world-class players like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. However, these elements were notably absent in 2025. Both Scheffler and Schauffele withdrew before the tournament began, leaving fans without their favorite stars. Moreover, Sepp Straka’s comfortable lead on Sunday reduced the final round's drama, leading to a modest audience of just 232,000 viewers, according to Nielsen.

The decline extends beyond this single event. Early 2025 tournaments like The Sentry and the Sony Open in Hawaii also struggled to attract more than 500,000 viewers. This downward trend has been ongoing for over a year, with only a few exceptions, such as Dunlap’s win in 2024, which drew 534,000 viewers on the final day. The continued drop in ratings raises serious questions about the future of golf on television.

From a journalist's perspective, the declining viewership underscores the need for innovative strategies to reinvigorate interest in golf. The sport must address several key issues:

• Unifying the Tours: The ongoing divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is detrimental to the sport's popularity. Reconciling these tours could bring back top talent and boost ratings.
• Scheduling Conflicts: The NFL season's expansion encroaches on the PGA Tour's schedule, diverting attention away from golf. Adjustments in scheduling, such as Saturday finishes for some tournaments, could help mitigate this issue.
• Enhanced Access: Providing behind-the-scenes content, similar to the NFL's 'Hard Knocks,' can offer fans a deeper connection to the players and the game.
• Livening Up Broadcasts: Introducing more engaging formats and personalities into broadcasts can make the viewing experience more enjoyable.
• Involving More Players: Having current players provide commentary during broadcasts can add authenticity and insight, making the sport more relatable to viewers.

Ultimately, reversing this trend will require collaboration between golf organizations and television networks. If not addressed, the sport risks losing its audience entirely by 2026. The time to act is now, before it's too late.