Rory McIlroy emerged victorious in the 2025 Masters after defeating Justin Rose in a one-hole playoff, drawing the highest rating for a golf telecast on CBS since 2018. The final round, where McIlroy navigated lead changes against Rose, Bryson DeChambeau, and Ludvig Åberg, captivated audiences with its thrilling competition.
CBS reported that Sunday's Masters final round averaged 12.707 million viewers, marking a 33% increase from the previous year's less dramatic telecast. Viewership peaked between 7 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. ET during the playoff hole, showcasing the widespread engagement with McIlroy's victory. This significant viewership milestone surpassed the ratings seen during the 2019 Masters, which Tiger Woods won amidst concerns about his back condition, played earlier in the day due to severe weather threats.