The 2026 Masters garnered a massive television audience.
The final round of the tournament averaged nearly 14 million viewers, making it the most-watched Masters Sunday in 11 years, when Jordan Spieth won the tournament in 2015, according to CBS Sports.
That’s an eight percent increase from a year ago when Rory McIlroy secured his first green jacket.
CBS’ coverage peaked with 20 million watchers as McIlroy grabbed his second straight Masters victory on the 18th hole at Augusta National, the network added.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland wears the Green Jacket during the Green Jacket Ceremony afer the final round of the 2026 Masters tournament in Augusta, Georgia, USA, 12 April 2026. ERIK S LESSER/EPA/Shutterstock That’s the largest viewership peak since 2013 when Adam Scott and Ángel Cabrera went to a sudden-death playoff after being tied through 72 holes.
The figures are not at all surprising given the happenings during Sunday’s play.
McIlroy, one of the biggest names in the sport, came into the final round tied with Cam Young at the top of the leaderboard after squandering a six-shot lead on Saturday.
Young, who won The Players Championship in March, and fan-favorite Justin Rose, who is still seeking his first green jacket at 45 years old after several near misses, both took the lead from McIlroy at certain points on Sunday before the Northern Ireland native fought back on the second nine.
Rory McIlroy celebrates after sinking the winning putt at The Masters on April 12, 2026. AP World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler also made a valiant run over the weekend, shooting four-under 68 on Sunday to finish alone in second place, one shot behind McIlroy.
Although CBS attracted a massive audience, it wasn’t without complaints.
The network was ripped by golf fans online for missing several shots toward the end of the tournament, including four of McIlroy’s strokes on the 18th hole.
On McIlroy’s final putt, CBS used an awkward angle that failed to capture the ball falling into the cup.
