Women’s golf tournament suffers major ratings drop despite Trump promotion

The U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament over the weekend got its lowest final round TV ratings in more than 20 years, despite President Trump’s presence and promotion of the tournament. 

The golf tournament pulled a 0.6 overnight rating on Fox on Sunday, down 40 percent from last year, making it the lowest overnight final-round rating since at least 1994, Sports Media Watch reported Tuesday.

It is the first time in 15 years that the U.S. Women’s Open won’t be the most watched women’s golf event of the year.

{mosads}The tournament was held at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. Trump himself repeatedly tweeted about the event beforehand and while it was going on.  

The Golf Channel did not blame the low ratings on Trump but said Tuesday that “sparse galleries and weak TV ratings suggest his presence couldn’t overcome a weekend leaderboard devoid of American contenders.”

I am at the @USGA #USWomensOpen. An amateur player is co-leading for the first time in many decades – very exciting!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2017 

Thank you to all of the supporters, who far out-numbered the protesters, yesterday at the Women’s U.S. Open. Very cool!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2017

The women played great today at the @USGA #USWomensOpen I look forward to being there tomorrow for the final round! pic.twitter.com/2oWyptgfIY

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2017

Just got to the #USWomensOpen in Bedminster, New Jersey. People are really happy with record high stock market – up over 17% since election!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2017

Will be at the Women’s U.S. Open today!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2017

I will be at the @USGA #USWomensOpen in Bedminster, NJ tomorrow. Big crowds expected & the women are playing great-should be very exciting!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2017

Left Paris for U.S.A. Will be heading to New Jersey and attending the#USWomensOpen, their most important tournament, this afternoon.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 14, 2017

Women’s advocacy group Ultraviolet protested at the three-day tournament, targeting both Trump and the U.S. Golf Association’s decision to keep the tournament at the club.