CBS Announcer Throws Shade at LIV Golf's Low TV Ratings During Phoenix Open Coverage
CBS course reporter Colt Knost cleverly highlighted the contrast between LIV Golf's TV viewership and the WM Phoenix Open's live attendance during Saturday's third-round coverage.
While covering the iconic 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, Knost noted that the approximately 24,000 spectators surrounding the par-3 were "12,000 times two" – a direct reference to LIV Golf Riyadh's first-round viewership on FS2, which averaged just 12,000 viewers according to Nielsen ratings.
LIV Golf's season-opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aired on FS2 as part of their new FOX broadcasting deal. While such low viewership numbers are typical for FS2 broadcasts, they highlight the significant advantage the PGA Tour maintains through its established corporate partnerships and broadcast agreements.
Adrian Meronk claimed victory at LIV Riyadh, finishing two shots ahead of Jon Rahm and Sebastian Munoz. Rahm's Legion XIII secured the team competition, while Lee Westwood's tournament hopes were derailed by an unusual rules violation during the second round.
Meanwhile, at the WM Phoenix Open, Thomas Detry leads the field in pursuit of his first PGA Tour victory, with Jordan Spieth among the notable challengers at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course. Amateur Luke Clanton made headlines with an impressive but ultimately unsuccessful cutline charge on Friday.
The stark contrast in viewership and attendance numbers continues to underscore the ongoing competition between the traditional PGA Tour and the emerging LIV Golf series.