Exciting Australian golf drives Channel Seven to a fairway of success

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By Basil Naimet.

Australian golf tournaments in 2014 have had record television audiences with all four majors covered by free-to-air provider Channel Seven.

Of the four events that were televised, which included; the ISPS HANDAPerth International, BetEasy Masters, Emirates Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship, the Emirates Australian Open performed extremely well with average weekend audiences of 566,000.

Two weeks later at the Australian PGA Championship with a three way play-off between fellow Aussies Adam Scott, Greg Chalmers and Wade Ormsby the numbers peaked for the play-off with an audience of 960,000 for metropolitan viewers only, and a weekend average audience of 478,000. Sunday alone averaged 682,000.

PGA Australia CEO Brian Thorburn said the increased numbers meant sports fans responded well to major tournaments being played in Australia.

“These viewer numbers are outstanding, and a true reflection of the Australian public’s love of golf and our major events.

“It was an exciting finish to the PGA Tour of Australasia season with the three way play-off, and with the audience peaking at almost a million metropolitan viewers to watch the finale it was a real coup for the Tour.

“We must thank Channel Seven for their support and commitment to golf, and it highlights the strength of golf in Australia. Overall, the Australian PGA Championship was up 35% on 2013 ratings which is a credit to all involved.”

Channel Seven’s Head of Sport Saul Shtein remained confident Australian fans would see more of the same next year.

“We’re committed to bringing the best of Australian sport into lounge-rooms around the country, and it’s no surprise that the quality and drama of the golf this year has been matched by terrific TV audiences. We look forward to another great year in 2015.”
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