Jay Monahan’s long-standing viewership woes have finally subsided! The PGA Tour Commissioner’s worst fears seemed to have come true after World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler skipped the John Deere Classic for a breather, before the final major of the season. Additionally, Rory McIlroy missing tournaments after his U.S. Open defeat could have proved to be a void in the PGA Tour’s recent appeal. 

Moreover, the 2024 RBC Heritage, CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and Wells Fargo Championship had all suffered from dwindling audiences that once painted a concerning picture for the Tour’s future. With a staggering 20-percent drop in ratings from its 2023 edition, the Wells Fargo Championship set an alarming slump in reduced viewership. But  the successful completion of the John Deere Classic ended the plague, which once asked answers from Monahan. 

John Deere Classic sees highest viewership since 2015

The Tour’s struggles to attract audiences had been a persistent thorn in Monahan’s side, but the latest developments from the John Deere Classic bring a welcome respite. As per reports, the classic event’s Sunday finale averaged a total of 2.102 million viewers on CBS, which is a 32 percent increase over previous years’ 1.429 million. These figures show a sign of relief for Jay Monahan.

Additionally, the numbers recorded the most-watched final round of the tournament in nine years, after the 2015 JDC edition where Jordan Spieth won the title by beating Tom Gillis in a playoff. It holds the viewership record, earning a 2.2 final rating and 3.4 million viewers on CBS, up 100% in ratings and 120% in viewership.

Moreover, this year’s event saw 25-year-old Davis Thompson bag his first PGA Tour win in style, while engaging fans with his impressive performance. He carded rounds of 63, 67, 62, and 64, finishing 28 under par with a four-stroke lead over runner-up Michael Thorbjornsen. He tied for second place with promising amateur Luke Clanton and 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist CT Pan.

The 2024 event also marked a new opening for the PGA Tour Commissioner and his efforts, even if he endures backlash from the fans on regular basis. Be it the streak of adverse weather conditions, the tournaments had to adjust tee timings, which resulted in a decline in total viewership. But it came out all good at the John Deere Classic.

Can the surprising end of the events mark a turning point for the PGA Tour’s struggling ratings?

The surge in viewership at the John Deere Classic offers a much-needed relief for the PGA Tour’s higher-ups and sponsors, who rely heavily on audience numbers. One might assume that with pros like Scottie Scheffler dominating the greens, the tour would naturally attract substantial crowds. But to thrive PGA Tour needs more of the rising stars who can challenge the top golfers to create a thrilling atmosphere of golf. 

The John Deere Classic’s success demonstrates the potential for future PGA Tour events to captivate audiences with fresh faces and compelling narratives. With favorable weather and strategic planning, the tour can continue to build on this momentum. Despite being challenged by LIV Golf in terms of the divide in viewership base. Thereby showcasing a new generation of talented golfers, the PGA Tour can attract a wider audience and reinforce its fan base. 

The John Deere Classic’s triumph serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating a path forward for the tour to reclaim its spot in the spotlight. What are your thoughts on the recent developments in the PGA Tour’s viewership? Share your insights in the comments section below!