The 2024 Masters’ low viewership numbers startled PGA Tour player Matthew Fitzpatrick, but he has an explanation for why they were so low.
Matthew Fitzpatrick claims that the 2024 Masters’ low ratings were a direct result of the golf community’s persistent discussion of money.
Yesterday saw the release of the ratings for the entire Masters week, and they showed a very negative picture.
In 2024, arguably the greatest players in the world from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf came together for the first time.
However, the 2024 version is the lowest since the 2020 and 2021 COVID-affected years.
As four players shared the lead on Sunday, there was an increase in viewership, according to Sports Media Watch.
However, 9.59 million viewers watched the final round overall on CBS, a significant decrease from 2023.
The article claims that 12.06 million people saw Jon Rahm win the green jacket.
Prior to his attempt to defend the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour, Fitzpatrick was questioned regarding the ratings.
Regarding the numbers, he remarked, “To be fair, I am surprised by that.”
“Clearly, everyone is interacting as they should, and the viewership is declining.
However, it is strange. Speaking with folks at home and other places, I believe that people are tired of hearing about money. It seems to be the most important factor.
“He receives payment for this and that. Prize money is going here.
“That seems like it would wear you out very quickly. Perhaps there is a lack of interest in the event, or perhaps people are aware of Scottie Scheffler’s superiority and anticipate a coasting Sunday in which he easily wins.
“I’m not sure. My main concern, I believe, is money. Yes, I believe that people are definitely tired of hearing that. But considering that it’s the Masters and players from both tours are playing against one another, I was surprised to find it down.”
Speaking of money, there was a wild rumor yesterday that Rory McIlroy was about to sign an $850 million contract to join LIV Golf.
The report was promptly refuted by McIlroy’s management, and later on, the man himself flashed a cheeky smile while vehemently disputing he was going to make a U-turn.
He declared, “I’m going to play on the PGA Tour for the rest of my life.”
Fitzpatrick was told by a reporter that you can tell you’ve succeeded when rumors begin to spread.
Fitzpatrick responded in a way that is characteristic of an Englishman: self-deprecating.
“No rumors have been spread about me,” he declared.
“I personally want to avoid it. Really, I’m not that interested. I would like to participate in competitions such as the RBC Heritage, The Players Championship, and BMW Wentworth.
“I want to go do that, that’s what matters to me, and I will keep doing that.” But I have no idea how it’s going to be resolved.
“I believe that the player advisory board is clearly doing its thing and offering its opinions. Jay [Monahan, head of the PGA Tour] and the board are just going about their business.
“Talking with Andy Cohen of the SSG Group gave me a lot more clarity, which made me feel a little more optimistic and at ease about the partnership’s future. That was the only truly positive thing I took away from our conversation.
“It’s the only thing I’ve really gone off about that I felt good about, I guess. I simply don’t want to participate in it. For starters, I’m not intelligent enough to get involved.
“Secondly, I’m just wondering what I should do. There’s no point, what use will my opinion be anyway?
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