CBS's television coverage of the final day of the PGA Championship has been heavily criticized by viewers, who claim the network showed 'more commercials than golf.' The second major of the year has been shared across multiple networks in the United States, with ESPN handling the morning broadcast and CBS taking over for the afternoon action as the world's top golfers compete for a $20.5 million prize pool.
Viewer Backlash Over Commercial Breaks
As audiences settled in for what was anticipated to be one of the most exciting afternoons of golf in recent years, the sheer volume of commercials aired by CBS in the early hours of their coverage became impossible to ignore. Josh Carpenter, a reporter for Sports Business Journal, revealed that there were 'five minutes, 40 seconds of commercials in the first 17 minutes of the 2pm hour.' One disgruntled viewer remarked, 'CBS coverage of the PGA CHAMPIONSHIP is horrible, no golf, just commentary and commercials.' Another added, '@CBS Could we see more golf? This is unwatchable. We are seeing more commercials. I know y'all will show Rory walking to his ball more than you will show golf.'
High Stakes at Aronimink
The final day at Aronimink is shaping up to be historic, with 22 players within four shots of the lead as the final round commenced. Little-known American Alex Smalley held the top spot after the third round, but stars like Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm are close behind, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion in Pennsylvania. McIlroy aims to secure back-to-back majors following his Masters victory at Augusta last month, while Smalley has yet to win a PGA Tour event, let alone a major championship.
The $20.5 million prize fund is the largest in PGA Championship history, with the winner taking home $3.7 million. Thomas shot a remarkable final-round 65 to put himself within striking distance of the leaders, adding to the excitement of the day.
