In the array of significant concerns for the PGA Tour, viewership also holds a prominent spot. One might assume that with pros like Scottie Scheffler dominating the greens, the tour would naturally attract substantial crowds. However, the reality is slightly different; there has actually been a slight decrease in numbers.

Given this, Jay Monahan’s concerns have been steadily mounting, but they may have found resolution with the arrival of David Berson as the new CBS Sports Chair. A recent statement from Berson seems to have provided some relief for the PGA Tour commissioner. Let’s delve deeper and explore what David Berson has to offer regarding one of Jay Monahan’s significant concerns.

David Berson’s perspective on Jay Monahan’s concern regarding viewership

PGA Tour events have been consistently encountering setbacks lately. The streak of adverse weather conditions, previously affecting the RBC Heritage and CJ Cup Byron Nelson, recently plagued the Wells Fargo Championship as well. Due to this, the tournament had to adjust tee timings, ultimately resulting in a decline in total viewership.

As a result, the total number has decreased by almost 20% compared to last year. While this decline might appear substantial and cause concern for Monahan, David Berson offers a different viewpoint on the issue. Recently, Berson addressed this issue from CBS’s TV compound at the PGA Championship, stating “It’s a small sample size, and I don’t think people should overreact,”

During his address, the Sports Chair remained notably calm and further stated “Everyone tends to overreact on a week-to-week basis, and there are so many factors on a week-to-week basis. What’s the weather? If it’s raining, more people are inside watching. Who’s on the leaderboard? How many strokes is the lead? You have to look at these things much bigger picture and longer term.” As a result in a single statement, David Berson addressed all the factors involving the viewership of golf.

It’s undeniably true that most fans have their favorite pros, and if these players aren’t featured, interest tends to temporarily wane. While David Berson isn’t concerned about the decline in viewership numbers, can the same be said for the golfers?

Golfers are worried about the viewership number

Men’s professional golf is split between two major leagues, resulting in a division of both players and their fan bases. With some fan-favorite pros in LIV Golf and others in the PGA Tour, this separation has led to a divided audience. Acknowledging this issue, players like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm have shown their support for the PGA Tour-PIF deal.

Rahm believes that “We need to follow the F1 model.” As a result, it might help both the pros and fans focus on a single league. As for McIlroy initially, the Irishman had a tough stance toward LIV, but after a change of heart, McIlroy also believes “what’s happening is not sustainable right now, so something needs to happen to try to bring it all back together so we can all move forward so we don’t have this division that’s sort of ongoing.”

It’s evident from his statement and Rahm’s perspective that both pros share the same sentiments. If this merger occurs, it could benefit both the audience and players by consolidating their focus on a single tour. Consequently, viewership might not decline if enthusiasts have only one league to follow. Do you think this idea could help the game of golf grow? Share your thoughts in the comments below!