Despite airing on tape delay, the final round of the PGA Tour Heritage was the highest rated in nearly a decade.

Tape delayed final round coverage of the PGA Tour Heritage earned a 2.3 final rating and 3.5 million viewers on CBS Sunday afternoon, up 77% in ratings and viewership from last year (1.3, 2.0M), and the highest rated final round of the event since 2006 (2.4).

The nine-year high marks a dramatic turnaround from last year, when final round ratings were the lowest since at least 1996. It is just the latest strong performance for the PGA Tour, coming on the heels of a 10-year high for the final round of the Houston Open and record ratings for the Tampa Bay championship in March.

Five of the past six final round PGA Tour telecasts — including The Masters — have had double-digit increases in ratings and viewership.

Making the performance even more impressive is the fact that CBS’ telecast was tape delayed. The final round was moved up several hours due to inclement weather and had already concluded by the time CBS went on air.

On Saturday, third round action drew a 1.4 and 2.0 million — up a more modest 8% and 13%, respectively, from last year’s 1.3 and 1.8 million.

(Wknd. numbers via Sports Business Daily)