While there may be a softening of tensions behind the scenes between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, the rivalry between golfers and media members on both sides remains intense. The WM Phoenix Open is characterized by the lively crowd at the par-3 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale. Following Emiliano Grillo’s impressive hole-in-one on Friday, fans were eager for more excitement on Saturday.
As CBS’s cameras captured the bustling crowd, former PGA Tour pro Colt Knost, who served as an on-course commentator, couldn’t resist making a quip: “Around 24,000 circled around the coliseum here. That’s 12,000 times two if my math is right.”
Around 24,000 circled around the coliseum here. That’s 12,000 times two if my math is right.” – @ColtKnost 😉 pic.twitter.com/q1KiQaClDB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 8, 2025
What may have seemed like an innocuous comment was actually a pointed jab at LIV’s disappointing ratings. Recent reports indicated that LIV Golf’s season-opening tournament in Riyadh averaged just 12,000 viewers for its opening-round coverage on FS2. In stark contrast, LIV’s 2025 debut attracted a lower audience than the number of spectators at one hole of a PGA Tour event.
LIV is attempting to draw viewers away from the PGA Tour and grow its audience through a new Fox deal. However, the initial results have been lackluster, and golf fans are more aware of their struggles than of any potential successes.
