CBS Sports delivered one of its strongest Masters audiences in more than a decade, boosted by a familiar champion and a tightly contested finish at Augusta National Golf Club.
The network announced that Sunday’s final round of The Masters Tournament averaged 13.995 million viewers. That figure marks the most-watched final round since 2015, when Jordan Spieth captured his first major title and drew 14 million viewers.
This year’s audience rose eight percent from 2025, signaling renewed momentum for one of golf’s marquee events. Viewership gains came despite increased competition across the sports and entertainment landscape.
The final-round broadcast also delivered a significant peak. More than 20 million viewers tuned in during the closing stretch to watch Rory McIlroy secure his second consecutive green jacket. The surge represents the tournament’s largest peak audience since 2013, when Adam Scott won and Tiger Woods remained firmly in contention.
A year ago, McIlroy’s breakthrough victory drew 12.71 million viewers and peaked at 19.54 million. That performance ended his long pursuit of a Masters title and completed the career Grand Slam.
Saturday’s third round also contributed to the strong weekend. CBS reported an average of 8.109 million viewers, up 14 percent from last year. It stands as the most-watched third round since 2019 and helped build momentum heading into Sunday.
McIlroy entered the weekend with a commanding six-shot lead after Friday’s second round. That advantage evaporated during Saturday’s action, leaving him tied with Cam Young atop the leaderboard after 54 holes.
Sunday’s final round featured multiple contenders making a push. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler began the day four shots back but mounted a late charge. He ultimately finished one stroke behind McIlroy, keeping the outcome in doubt until the final moments.
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