Final round of Masters draws big ratings for CBS Sports

Field Level Media|published: Tue 15th April, 15:18 2025

Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy and his caddie Harry Diamond celebrate with the trophy after winning the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy took viewers on a wild ride this past weekend at the Masters, with the end result being the completion of a career Grand Slam for the Northern Irishman and big ratings for CBS Sports.

Per the network, Sunday's final round averaged 12.707 million viewers -- which is up 33 percent from 2024. Scottie Scheffler mastered the tournament at Augusta National for the second time in three years last April with a four-stroke win over Sweden's Ludvig Aberg.

CBS also reported that viewership Sunday reached its peak from 7-7:15 p.m. ET at 19.543 million. It also marked the most watched final round of the tournament since Patrick Reed defeated Rickie Fowler by one stroke in 2018, with that round pulling in 13.03 million viewers.

McIlroy birdied the first playoff hole with a short putt after missing a chance to win in regulation, capturing the Masters on Sunday in Augusta, Ga.

McIlroy's 1-over-par 73 left him tied with England's Justin Rose, who posted 66 and waited for McIlroy to finish. They both shot 11-under 277 for the week.

It marked the fifth major championship for McIlroy, and his first since capturing the PGA Championship for the second time in 2014.

--Field Level Media