The harsh truth: Not even Tiger Woods can save the PGA Tour from sinking

The Genesis curse seems to be all-consuming. What was earlier only Tiger Woods’s fate’s problem seems to now have spread to the entirety of the PGA Tour as well, and their highly-regarded knight in shining armor can do nothing to stop it.

From shanks to bouts of sickness leading to the 82-time PGAT champ’s withdrawal to Jordan Spieth‘s disqualification, the past week was not short of misfortune. Interestingly enough, all of this and more has manifested itself in the downfall of ratings in the post-event analysis of the Tiger Woods-hosted tournament

But why exactly is the Genesis Invitational being termed a failure? Well, the first round’s viewer data analysis is out, and it does not look good for the PGA Tour. Despite the 15x major champion being present on the ground on Thursday, the event had only 450,000 viewers watching it. When compared to the 2023 edition of the event, the viewership was down by 51%.

While we still await data to be revealed for the following days, an over 51% downfall on the first day with Tiger Woods being present on the course only signals a potential further downgrade in the days that followed his withdrawal and inability to perform host duties. It’s shocking, isn’t it?

Despite the event being extremely hyped for the year-opening return of Mr. Woods on the Riviera greens, even the tournament host’s presence could not avenge the PGA Tour from the lack of viewership.

Was it Tiger Woods’s absence that made things worse for the PGA Tour?

The first day was filled with some unexpected and tough-to-swallow truth bombs. With the GOAT struggling to make the cut he so dearly fought for, Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy having a near-forgettable day, and even caddie shenanigans taking center stage, Day 1 was nothing as per the golf fraternity’s plans.

Further, considering the importance that the event holds and the reality that has subsequently unfolded, it is only natural to question whether the PGA Tour is in big trouble. Is it a signal that Rory McIlroy’s dreams of a global Tour are the future?

Well, that’s hard to say, and that’s a question only time can answer. What we do know is that as the golf world waits on the impending merger and the PIF-backed LIV Golf continues to improve its viewing experience, the PGA Tour seems to be in dire need of change. And as reality seems to unfold, even a Tiger Woods return does not seem to buy the Tour any more time.

While the PGA Tour continues to look for ways to salvage itself, all eyes are set on the 5-time Masters winners’ next move as the date for the upcoming Masters’ Tournament at Augusta National draws nearer.