Women’s golf and the LPGA Tour showcased their growing popularity at the recent Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas, with the highly-anticipated PGA Tour debut of talented golfer Lexi Thompson. Despite narrowly missing the cut, Thompson’s participation at TPC Summerlin created a remarkable buzz among fans, media, and ambassadors for the Shriners children. Notably, her presence also made a significant impact on the television world.
Thompson, joined by Kevin Roy and Trevor Webylo, formed one of the feature groups for ESPN+. This led the streaming platform to experience a notable 19% increase in viewership for its featured group coverage compared to the 2022 Shriners Children’s Open, according to Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter. Although ESPN+ does not disclose specific viewership figures, the PGA Tour reported a substantial surge in engagement for Thursday/Friday @PGATOURLIVE featured groups coverage, crediting Thompson’s participation for the boost in numbers.
ESPN+, the exclusive broadcaster for PGA Tour Live telecast, provided comprehensive coverage of Thompson’s rounds alongside three other marquee pairings. This made ESPN+ the go-to destination for golf enthusiasts eager to witness Thompson’s inaugural PGA Tour appearance. The global golfing community eagerly tuned in to see the rising star in action, eagerly anticipating whether she would overcome the challenge and make the cut. Despite falling short, the excitement around Thompson’s performance intensified the anticipation for future tournaments.
Fans who experienced Thompson’s electrifying debut can look forward to more exclusive featured group coverage on PGA Tour Live during the upcoming RSM Classic in mid-November. PGA Tour Live, often showcasing feature groups, airs ahead of live coverage from the tour’s network partners. ESPN+ typically broadcasts a PGA Tour event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., paving the way for Golf Channel’s coverage during the rest of the day.
Reflecting on the success of ESPN+ in 2023, the platform is gearing up to continue this momentum in 2024. The partnership with PGA Tour Live will be renewed next year, providing fans with unparalleled access to the game’s most exciting moments.
Amidst a sports calendar dominated by football and baseball, Thompson’s presence on the PGA Tour served as a refreshing spark for both the platform and the sport of golf. This raises the question of whether the PGA Tour and its partners should consider more opportunities for women to compete alongside men in the future, considering the clear draw and enthusiasm it generates.
As the 2023 golf season winds down, Thompson’s PGA Tour journey proved to be a captivating highlight, leaving fans eager for more. The Shriners Children’s Open became an unforgettable showcase of the intricacies and talent within women’s golf, further propelling its rise in popularity. With golf continuing to evolve and captivate audiences, the sport promises an exciting future with more groundbreaking moments to come.
The Business Press 