Unlike Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth’s Return to Form Fails to Lift PGA Tour Amid Ratings Slump

Did the 2025 WM Phoenix Open Live Up to Expectations?
The 2025 WM Phoenix Open certainly delivered its share of highlights. Belgium’s Thomas Detry dominated the field, finishing 24-under-par to claim his first-ever PGA Tour victory. His impressive final-round 65 secured a commanding seven-shot lead, making him the first Belgian to win on the Tour.

Another unforgettable moment came from Jordan Spieth on the 11th hole, where he pulled off a miraculous left-handed par save while tangled in a bush—a classic Spieth moment that had fans buzzing.

But despite these thrilling moments, television ratings told a different story.

TV Ratings: A Mixed Picture for the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour has been grappling with declining viewership in recent years. According to an October 2024 estimate, Sunday telecasts averaged 2.2 million viewers, down 19% from 2.7 million in 2023. Even the return of big names like Jordan Spieth hasn’t reversed the trend.

For the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, Josh Carpenter of SBJ shared on X:

“Golf numbers from Sunday: CBS draws 2.9M viewers for Tom Detry’s win at the WM Phoenix Open.”

That’s an increase from 2.4 million on NBC in 2024 (when Nick Taylor’s win stretched into the Super Bowl broadcast). However, it’s still well below previous years:

2023 – 3.7M (Scheffler)
2022 – 3.6M (Scheffler)
2021 – 3.7M (Koepka)
While 2025’s ratings improved from last year, they remain lower than past tournaments.

What’s Behind the Decline?
The WM Phoenix Open is one of the PGA Tour’s most electrifying events, known for its rowdy atmosphere. But some factors may have contributed to the lower numbers:

The introduction of new zero-tolerance regulations, potentially dulling the usual lively atmosphere.
Rory McIlroy’s absence, which may have impacted overall interest.
Despite a strong on-course performance, the 2025 WM Phoenix Open continues to reflect the PGA Tour’s ongoing struggle to capture and retain its television audience.