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Superstars, Uncertainty of Outcome, and PGA Tour Television Ratings

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  • Chase Gooding
  • E. Frank Stephenson

Abstract

Using 2010–2013 television ratings data for 33 Professional Golfers’ Association Tour events, this article analyzes determinants of audience size. Only one of six measures of uncertainty of outcome based on the leader’s margin or the number of golfers within five strokes of the leader is found to be positively correlated with ratings. Instead, ratings are strongly related to certain tournaments, particularly The Masters and the U.S. Open, and to the presence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Ratings are found to increase by about 50% if Woods is in contention.

Suggested Citation

  • Chase Gooding & E. Frank Stephenson, 2017. "Superstars, Uncertainty of Outcome, and PGA Tour Television Ratings," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 18(8), pages 867-875, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:18:y:2017:i:8:p:867-875
    DOI: 10.1177/1527002516637649
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Shoag, Daniel & Veuger, Stan, 2017. "Taking My Talents to South Beach (and Back)," Working Paper Series rwp17-019, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.

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