There’s no sporting event quite like the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, and this year’s edition certainly lived up to the hype.
For the first time in his illustrious career, Rory McIlroy claimed the green jacket and captured his first Masters title, completing the career Grand Slam. This feat puts him in rare company, alongside just five other golfers, and makes him the first to achieve it since Tiger Woods.
McIlroy entered Sunday with a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau, and many expected the final round to come down to a showdown between the two stars. However, it ended up being a sudden-death playoff between McIlroy and Justin Rose, which McIlroy won dramatically with a birdie putt. His raw emotion and tears of joy and relief created an unforgettable moment for viewers.
In the wake of McIlroy’s victory, CBS Sports made a historic announcement on Monday afternoon. The network revealed that this year’s Masters final round was the most-watched since 2018, averaging 12.7 million viewers on Sunday. Coverage peaked at 19.5 million viewers between 7 and 7:15 p.m. ET.
“CBS Sports on Sunday delivered the most-watched final round of the Masters since 2018, as Rory McIlroy won in a playoff to capture his first green jacket along with golf’s career grand slam.” CBS Sports PR posted.
CBS Sports on Sunday delivered the most-watched final round of the Masters since 2018, as Rory McIlroy won in a playoff to capture his first green jacket along with golf’s career grand slam: pic.twitter.com/72JWrmZ8B6
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) April 14, 2025
Golf fans reacted to the big news:
“I’m surprised it topped the Return to Glory. But awesome to get that viewership,” A fan said.
“Well deserved guys!” Another fan said to CBS.
“One more fan posted, “A solid number for any telecast these days, but a little below what I was thinking after Sunday drama Same figure as NBC’s women’s gymnastics team competiton at Paris Olympics Edged out Fox’s Michigan-Ohio State football in November; just below ABC’s Georgia-Texas in October”
The drama, excitement, and emotion on Sunday led to a storybook ending for Rory McIlroy, who was embraced by his family and friends immediately after winning a tournament he’s been chasing for 17 years. Having spent 11 years pursuing the career Grand Slam, McIlroy is now cemented among the elites at Augusta National.
Related: Bryson DeChambeau Breaks Silence After Rory McIlroy’s Masters Win With Classy Message
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