Ninth Edition of ‘The Match’ Draws Record-Low TV Ratings

If you forgot that the ninth edition of “The Match” prime-time golf series was this past Monday, you weren’t alone.

The event, featuring a skins format with Rory McIlroy, Max Homa, Lexi Thompson, and Rose Zhang, drew a reported 511,000 viewers across the TNT, truTV, and HSN channels.

Looks like 511,000 viewers across TNT/truTV/HLN for “The Match” on Monday night (featured Rory, Max Homes, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang).

Previous low was 782,000 back in June 2023 (Mahomes/Kelce vs. Klay/Steph)

This was the 9th iteration of the event run by Excel Sports. pic.twitter.com/A9IZu0u4Jt

— Austin Karp (@AustinKarp) February 28, 2024

That number is a new record low, breaking last summer’s event with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson. That tournament from Las Vegas drew 782,000 viewers and was the eighth version of the event.

Despite the low viewership, the event did earn raves thanks to the new format, the inclusion of LPGA stars for the first time, and a sudden-death playoff, which was won by McIlroy. The proceeds from the event are also given to charity. Some complaints ranged from the length of the event (3.5 hours) to the number of broadcasters involved, including on-course reporters and DJ Khaled.

Others brought up future matches they would like to see that bring in pro golf’s current rivalry.

2 vs. 2

Tiger & Rory vs. Phil & Rahm

This is “The Match” golf fans everywhere want to watch, who do you think wins? pic.twitter.com/AeoUTTszlj

— LIV Golf Nation (@LIVGolfNation) February 29, 2024

“The Match” actually holds the all-time record for golf viewership on cable. A May 2020 contest featuring Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning averaged 5.8 million viewers and had a quarter-hour of 6.3 million. That event came during a time when all other major sports were on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 10^th version of the event hasn’t been announced yet.

Cover Image via PGA Tour