Jackson Reid
CBS Sports has been facing challenges in its golf coverage, with recent changes in announcers and fluctuations in TV ratings. While new CBS Sports head David Berson acknowledges lower linear TV numbers for men's golf, he attributes this to various factors and remains optimistic about the sport's trajectory. CBS has seen double-digit increases in two of its last three PGA Tour events, indicating a growing fan base. Additionally, CBS has dealt with the departure of veteran announcers like Nick Faldo and Ian Baker-Finch, who have stepped down from their roles, leading to replacements like Trevor Immelman. A contract dispute with YouTube TV also threatened to disrupt CBS's golf coverage for its customers, but it was eventually resolved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CBS Sports Chair | David Berson |
| TV numbers | Down double-digit percentages in 2024 |
| Number of subscribers | Over eight million |
| Retirement of longtime golf announcers | Ian Baker-Finch |
| Departure of lead analyst | Nick Faldo |
| Replacement for Nick Faldo | Trevor Immelman |
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What You'll Learn
- CBS Sports Chair David Berson isn't concerned about lower golf TV numbers
- Ian Baker-Finch, a longtime golf announcer, is retiring from CBS
- Nick Faldo, a lead analyst, left the network in 2022
- CBS has seen double-digit increases for two of its last three PGA Tour events
- YouTube TV customers lost CBS, meaning they may miss the Masters in April
CBS Sports Chair David Berson isn't concerned about lower golf TV numbers
CBS Sports Chair David Berson has expressed measured optimism regarding the lower TV numbers for men's golf, opting for a patient approach despite double-digit percentage declines in viewership across both NBC and CBS in 2024. Berson, an avid golf enthusiast himself, believes that short-term ratings fluctuations do not indicate larger concerns for the sport's trajectory.
Berson acknowledges the existence of challenges and asserts that the powers that be are working to address them. He highlights the increasing popularity of golf, with more people taking up the sport recreationally. Berson also points out that CBS has witnessed double-digit increases in viewership for two of its last three PGA Tour events.
The CBS Sports Chair emphasizes the importance of considering various factors that can influence viewership on a week-to-week basis, such as weather conditions and the leaderboard standings. He advocates for a broader perspective, suggesting that overreacting to small sample sizes is not advisable. Berson intends to continue evolving and experimenting with their golf coverage, understanding the need to strike a balance between commercials and live golf shots.
David Berson's passion for golf is evident, and he has been described as a "perfectionist" by his predecessor, Sean McManus. Berson's deep knowledge of the sport and his involvement in coverage plans are expected to maintain CBS Sports' longstanding association with golf. While Berson is realistic about the current viewership situation, he remains confident in the sport's overall trajectory and the appeal of golf programming.
In a separate development, CBS Sports faced a potential setback in February 2025, when YouTube TV customers lost access to CBS due to a contract dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount, which owns CBS Sports. This dispute threatened to make the Masters tournament unavailable to YouTube TV subscribers in April 2025. However, there is no indication that this issue has caused any long-term loss of golf programming for CBS.
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Ian Baker-Finch, a longtime golf announcer, is retiring from CBS
Australian golfer and longtime golf announcer Ian Baker-Finch has announced his retirement from CBS Sports. Baker-Finch, a former winner of The Open Championship, is stepping down from broadcasting after a 30-year career in the industry, including 19 years with CBS.
Baker-Finch's retirement statement expressed his gratitude and pride for the moments shared on and off the course. He said, "I am announcing my retirement from broadcasting... I carry with me immense gratitude and pride for the moments we’ve shared on and off the course. Here’s to new adventures and the enduring love of golf."
Baker-Finch's career in golf began in 1979 when he turned professional. He won his first professional tournament, the New Zealand Open, in 1983, which earned him an entry to The Open Championship in 1984. Over the course of his golfing career, Baker-Finch achieved notable wins on four continents, including Asia, Europe, and Australasia.
Following a decline in his golfing performance, Baker-Finch transitioned to broadcasting in 1998, working with ESPN and ABC Sports until 2006. He then joined CBS Sports in 2007 as a hole announcer, a position he has held for 19 years.
CBS Sports President and CEO David Berson paid tribute to Baker-Finch, acknowledging his respect as a major champion and analyst. Berson's statement said, "As a major champion during his successful playing career and over three decades in broadcasting, Ian Baker-Finch distinguished himself as one of the most respected and trusted voices in golf... Finchy will always be part of the CBS Sports family."
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Nick Faldo, a lead analyst, left the network in 2022
While CBS has been experiencing some issues with lower golf TV numbers, the network has not been "losing golf". In fact, the new CBS Sports head, David Berson, has expressed that he is not overly concerned about the double-digit percentage decreases in viewers across both NBC and CBS in 2024, attributing them to various factors such as inclement weather. Berson believes that golf is gaining more fans and that the sport has a positive trajectory.
One notable change for CBS in 2022 was the departure of Nick Faldo, their lead analyst for golf broadcasts. Faldo, a six-time major winner and three-time Masters champion, had been alongside Jim Nantz as CBS' lead analyst since 2006. In June 2022, Faldo announced that he would be stepping down from his post at the end of the 2022 season, as his contract was up and he chose not to extend it.
Faldo's decision to leave CBS was influenced by a desire to focus on other ventures and spend less time on the road. In an emotional final broadcast in August 2022, Faldo thanked his colleagues and fans, expressing his gratitude for his time with the network. He was replaced by Trevor Immelman, who had already been a familiar part of CBS' coverage for several years.
Faldo's departure from CBS after 16 years was also partly inspired by a TikTok video. The video featured two rats in a cage, one controlling the speed of the race while the other had no choice but to jump on the wheel when the first rat stopped. This resonated with Faldo, who felt it reflected his own lack of control over his busy schedule.
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CBS has seen double-digit increases for two of its last three PGA Tour events
CBS has been a major broadcaster of golf for many years, but there have been some recent developments that have led to concerns about their continued involvement in the sport. Notably, CBS has seen double-digit increases in viewership for two of its last three PGA Tour events, which is a positive sign for the network. However, overall numbers for golf across both CBS and NBC have been down by double-digit percentages in 2024 compared to stable numbers in 2023.
The new CBS Sports Chair, David Berson, has expressed patience and a desire to avoid overreacting to the lower numbers. He attributes the decreases to mitigating factors such as inclement weather at tournaments and believes that the sport is gaining more fans, with a positive trajectory overall. Berson also highlights improvements in commercial load during broadcasts, with nearly 50% of commercials on PGA Tour broadcasts in 2024 being side-by-side, allowing live play to continue during ad breaks.
Despite these assurances, there have been some notable changes in CBS's golf coverage. One significant change is the departure of Nick Faldo, the lead analyst, after the 2022 season. Faldo, a prominent figure in golf broadcasting, decided to step back and work a more limited schedule, likely due to his age. CBS has chosen Trevor Immelman, a former Masters champion, as his replacement. Additionally, long-time golf announcer Ian Baker-Finch announced his retirement from broadcasting in July 2025, concluding his career with the Wyndham Championship in August.
In addition to these internal changes, there have been external factors affecting CBS's involvement in golf. A contract dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount, which owns CBS Sports, resulted in a blackout of CBS on YouTube TV in February 2025. This meant that YouTube TV customers lost access to CBS's golf coverage, including the Masters tournament in April.
While CBS has seen some positive increases in viewership for PGA Tour events and is making improvements to its golf coverage, there have also been setbacks and changes. It remains to be seen what the long-term trajectory of CBS's involvement in golf will be, but Berson assures that any changes will be through evolution rather than drastic overhauls.
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YouTube TV customers lost CBS, meaning they may miss the Masters in April
YouTube TV, the fourth-largest U.S. pay-TV provider, and Paramount, which owns CBS, have been unable to reach a carriage agreement. This means that CBS will no longer be available on YouTube TV, affecting more than eight million subscribers. The blackout is set to begin at 11 p.m. ET Thursday and will remain in place unless a deal is reached.
This dispute comes at a significant time with major sporting events quickly approaching, including the Masters in April and March Madness. Golf fans may miss out on the Masters tournament if they rely solely on YouTube TV for their CBS access. In addition to golf, fans of March Madness could be left in the dark for games on CBS if a deal is not reached before the NCAA basketball tournament begins.
YouTube TV has issued a statement expressing their commitment to providing customers with the best possible entertainment experience. They have offered an $8 credit to subscribers if Paramount's content, including CBS, remains unavailable for an extended period. However, viewers can still access CBS and Paramount channels through other streaming services or traditional cable TV providers.
While CBS has seen some decreases in linear TV numbers for men's golf this year, CBS Sports Head David Berson remains optimistic about the trajectory of the sport. He attributes the lower numbers to various factors, including inclement weather, and believes that golf is gaining more fans overall. Berson does not anticipate drastic changes to CBS's golf coverage and aims for continuous improvement.
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Frequently asked questions
CBS is not losing golf, but the network has seen a double-digit percentage decrease in viewers across both NBC and CBS in 2024.
There could be many factors influencing the decrease in viewers. CBS Sports Chair David Berson mentions that inclement weather at numerous tournaments may have contributed to the drop in numbers.
CBS has chosen Trevor Immelman, a former Masters champion, as the replacement for Nick Faldo, who stepped down as the lead analyst after the network's coverage in 2022. CBS also announced the retirement of longtime golf announcer Ian Baker-Finch in July 2025.
CBS's president, Berson, has emphasized the importance of continuity and stability in their coverage plans. He also mentioned that they are working to improve the commercial load during broadcasts, with nearly 50% of commercials on side-by-side varieties that continue showing live play.
YouTube TV customers may lose access to CBS due to a carriage agreement dispute with Paramount, which owns CBS Sports. This dispute could result in YouTube TV customers being unable to watch CBS golf programming, including the Masters in April 2025.
