Tiger's Presence Boosts Bridgestone Ratings by 104 Percent From 2008

In a surprising development, television ratings for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational were up 104 percent from a year ago. Apparently, viewers really love them some Padraig Harrington (through 69 holes, anyway). Or, since nobody tuned into the final two majors of 2008 (Harrington won them both), maybe this Tiger Woods fellow has something to do with it.

At this point, Tiger and ratings go hand in hand, and the networks who carry the big tournaments bank on the world's best player being in contention on Sunday for that very reason.

Newsday's Neil Best writes that "CBS now has shown four of Tiger's five victories this season. Final round ratings were up compared to last year by 100 percent (Memorial), 180 percent (AT&T National), 164 percent (Buick) and 104 percent (Bridgestone)."

You want to know how to fix the LPGA? Pray that Michelle Wie starts winning with the same frequency -- and in the same dramatic fashion -- as Tiger. And if you're not into leaving things to fate, rig events "Quiz Show" style. At this point, it's worth a shot.

In the meantime, CBS Sports president Sean McManus, speaking Monday on a conference call to promote the PGA Championship, kept it simple when talking about Woods' effect on viewing habits: "It's mathematical and predictable." Just like Tiger's game (issues off the tee aside, obviously).