The 2026 Masters final round delivered an epic viewing experience for golf fans as Rory McIlroy captured his second green jacket in consecutive years.
However, the eventful PGA Tour event certainly delivered an epic final 18 holes that featured many lead changes. Golf’s first major of the season also presented a massive viewership number that will please Augusta’s TV partner.
Advertisement
MORE: Travis Kelce and other celebrities spotted at the Masters 2026
CBS’ Masters final round coverage saw roughly 14 million fans watching the event on average. Meanwhile, Sunday’s broadcast peaked at over 20 million viewers, making it the largest peak since 2013.
The final round of this year’s Masters averaged 14 million viewers on CBS, making it the most-watched final round in 11 years.
Sunday’s coverage also peaked at 20 million viewers, the largest television peak for the Masters since 2013. pic.twitter.com/Nh8t4ipemE
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) April 14, 2026
The 2026 Masters included some major drama during the final few holes as McIlroy battled it to hang on to his second win at the course. American star Scottie Scheffler narrowly finished second place after his hole 17 birdie attempt fell just short to dropping in the cup.
Scheffler even made Masters history by finishing the weekend without a single bogey. The five-time major winner becomes the first player to accomplish that legendary feat in over 84 years.
Advertisement
CBS benefits from iconic Masters final 18 holes
Meanwhile, Augusta presented significant storylines throughout the weekend that had golf fans buzzing. The Masters Par 3 contest saw celebrities like Kevin Hart and Jason Kelce involved.
During the main tournament, McIlroy jumped ahead to a massive six-shot lead after the opening two rounds. That marks the largest 36-hole advantage in tournament history as the Northern Irishman went on to win.
MORE: Sergio Garcia pens apology for Masters tirade at Augusta
Six players managed to finish the weekend within two strokes of one another at the top of the leaderboard. That certainly played into the amazing TV numbers that CBS boasted on the final day of the tournament.
The final round viewership total is also a massive positive for the PGA Tour as it heads into the rest of its major calendar. The PGA Championship, U.S. Open and Open Championship will all feature major names competing for the respective titles.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, McIlroy, Scheffler and other big names continue to get into the winning mix at events, which is a huge reason why fans continue coming back to watch golf tournaments.
Read the full article here
