The DP World Tour’s inaugural ‘Back 9’ series, part of the new Dubai 2024 calendar, has been a hit with golf fans around the world, who flocked to the event in record numbers this year.
The Back 9 phase of the season includes 9 historic events from September to October. By combining these tournaments over nine consecutive weeks and offering players the chance to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs, the bottom nine creates even more drama and danger for fans watching the games.
More than 400,000 fans attended the Back 9 tournament this year, with attendance at these events up 7% compared to 2023.
Key highlights in the UK and Ireland included the BMW PGA Championship, which saw a record number of sell-out days and a 4% increase in total attendance compared to 2023. The Betfred British Masters, presented by Sir Nick Faldo, saw a 3% increase in total attendance and the Amgen Irish Open saw a 2% increase in attendance this year compared to 2023.
Main events on the continent include the Estreladam Andalusia Masters, which saw a 29% increase in attendance compared to 2023. Total attendance at the Spanish Open increased by 4% and the French FedEx Open increased by 6%. 2023, despite the weather.
The final event of the last nine, the Genesis Championship in South Korea, saw a massive 164% increase in attendance compared to 2023, as fans watched two of South Korea's top players, Tom Kim and champion Ahn Byung-hun. An exciting showdown between Bung Hun An).
For six of the last nine events of the DP World Tour operating all consumer sales directly[2]Including ticketing, premium hospitality and merchandise, consumer revenue from these tournaments increased 16% compared to 2023.
Sky Sports' nine games also saw an average peak live TV viewership increase of 13% compared to games held in 2023.
Key highlights include the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, which saw peak viewership for Sky Sports increase by 60% compared to 2023. The BMW PGA Championship's three-hole playoff between Rory McIlroy, Triston Lawrence and eventual winner Billy Horschel recorded a viewership of 65%, an increase from last year's peak viewership. Live peak viewership for the FedEx French Open increased by an impressive 126% compared to 2023, and peak viewership for the Estreladam NA Andalusia Masters increased by 14%.
The DP World Tour has achieved impressive growth on social media, with a 13% increase in followers and a 15% increase in social media engagement compared to 2023.
Commenting on the success of the back nine, DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings said: “The DP World Tour’s fan base has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the growing interest in the sport around the world. Interest in golf participation is growing. This year we have adjusted our season structure to solidify our position as golf’s global tour, with a series of global swings on the back nine and end-of-season play-offs.”
He added: “This time of year hosts some of the most historic championships and historic National Opens at renowned golf courses around the world, bringing together international stars and local heroes to create incredible drama. Of great value.”
“These statistics show that our popularity is rising strongly and our fans will be in for a further treat as the play-offs are about to begin, with stars heading to Abu Dhabi and Dubai to compete for the coveted Race to Dubai crown ”
