LPGA Passes Champions Tour for TV Viewership

[boogielicious]

from golfdigest.com

http://www.golfdigest.com/blogs/the-loop/2014/11/the-lpga-has-got-serious-golfe.html

Serious golfers are watching the women more on TV than the old guys

By Stephen Hennessey

Bolstered by major wins from young stars Lexi Thompson and Michelle Wie and an dramatic player-of-the-year race to be decided between Stacy Lewis and Inbee Park this week at the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, 2014 has been a dream year for the LPGA Tour in terms of exciting and marketability. And it looks like that success has translated to TV audience growth.

In Golf Datatech's most recent study of serious golfers (16-plus rounds played per year), the LPGA rated the second-most-watched pro golf tour, passing the Champions Tour for the first time since spring 2010.

LPGA viewership was up 4 percentage points from summer 2013, with 65 percent of survey participants saying they watch regularly (99 percent said they watch the PGA Tour).

The seniors dropped from 65 percent in 2013 to 63, with the European Tour (38 percent) and Web.com Tour (23 percent) the next highest ranked.

[MrDC]

I actually watch the ladies more than the PGA many times, I like the golf of course but I've become a fan of many of the players, it's a great time for the LPGA, and the Champions tour is a big snooze.

[colin007]

This is interesting. I know that personally I watch the girls much more than the boys. Champions is the suxxor...

[acerimusdux]

It's been a good year for LPGA golf, some very entertaining moments. Paula Cramer's eagle to win an intense playoff with Azahara Munoz at the HSBC. The brilliant play of the Spanish women to win the inaugural International Crown Match Play championship, especially Carlota Ciganda's dominating round (amazing iron play).  The resurgence of Michelle Wie.  The emergence of Lydia Ko and Lexi Thompson. And a personal favorite of mine, Mo Martin's win in the British Open.

And this was just some of what I watched. I bet there was a lot more that I missed.

[davechen]

Yup, I watch the LPGA regularly.  The Champions Tour, eh.  Short skirts vs beer bellies?  No contest.

[jamo]

LPGA would be ahead in my pecking order too. Good to know I'm not abnormal.

[newtogolf]

LPGA would be ahead in my pecking order too. Good to know I'm not abnormal.

You could still be abnormal but are not in this case. I prefer LPGA over Champions Tour as well.

[Bogeyman65]

I watch the LPGA whenever they are televised. I've learned to record it so I can skip through the commercials. It seems like they have one about every 3 minutes.

[Gunther]

Don't watch LPGA regularly but way more than Seniors. Can't remember last time I watched more than 5 min of a Champions Tour event...gotta be 5 years or more. I watched almost every min of the ladies first 3 majors this year. Glad the #'s are working out for them. Need more US success for it to continue.

[bkuehn1952]

I agree with many of the posters that the women's game is more compelling than the seniors, right now.  Still, the rise of the LPGA ratings is somewhat caused by a decline of the seniors ... er ... champions.  Nonetheless, I am squarely behind the LPGA.  You girls are good!

[ghalfaire]

Me too.  But I might start watching the Champions Tour when Tiger/Phil gets to 50 YOA.  If I am still alive anyway.

[Hammer 4]

I watch both tours. Been some great play on the Champions tour lately, worth a look if you can.

[Tailgater]

I just can't get into the Champions Tour. I rarely even watch their majors. I would probably watch more if Couples and DL3 were in contention but it seems those two never play Champion Tour events.

[joekelly]

DL III?  What's the attraction?   When he arrives on my  tube, i grab the remote.

[Chilli Dipper]

The ladies have been great this year. It's very competitive at the top; considering that the last 15 years of women's golf has consisted of Annika dominating, immediately followed by Lorena dominating, followed by various Asian players having 1-2 year runs of being completely unbeatable, parity is a big shift from the norm.

[inthehole]

Yep, me too  ... I think Michelle Wie's putting stance is directly responsible.

[JonMA1]

I really enjoy the LPGA and I wonder why more events aren't televised.

Still kicking myself for not going to an event in Grand Rapids this year. At least once in my lifetime, I'd like to watch that level of golf in person.

[Gunther]

I really enjoy the LPGA and I wonder why more events aren't televised. Still kicking myself for not going to an event in Grand Rapids this year. At least once in my lifetime, I'd like to watch that level of golf in person.

I love the ladies too but there's really nothing awe-inspiring at an LPGA event. They're great, don't get me wrong but it's not even close to a PGA tournament. So, don't kick yourself too hard...