NBC will move ratings magnet Tiger Woods to prime time — hoping to attract more viewers with the scandal-scarred links legend.
NBC Sports will air the third and fourth rounds of the US Open from Pebble Beach, Calif. in prime time on Saturday, June 19 (4:30-11 p.m.) and Sunday, June 20 (3-9 p.m.), according to Broadcasting & Cable.
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At least the tournament will be easier to watch for golf fans on the West Coast. The last US Open played at Pebble Beach began at 10:30 a.m. West Coast time on both Saturday and Sunday.
Woods hasn’t yet committed to the tournament, but it’s believed he will play in one of the sport’s four “majors.”
It makes sense to move US Open coverage to prime time, since Woods’ return to The Masters earlier this month — amidst his sex scandal — was a ratings bonanza for ESPN and CBS, both of which carried Masters coverage.
The US Open aired in prime time once before, in 2008 (Torrey Pines) — when it was carried from 4-10 p.m. and 3-9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, earning its best ratings in six years.