Third-round Masters coverage sees 48 percent ratings increase from 2014

The Tiger, Rory (and Phil, too) effect. 

With Woods, McIlroy and Mickelson charging up Saturday's Masters leaderboard, CBS saw a 48 percent ratings increase on its coverage from last year and its best viewership since 2011. 

And that number will only increase.

For just the second time in their careers (and on Sunday at the Masters, no less) Woods and McIlroy will form a pairing at a major championship, while Mickelson, in the penultimate group, may by the greatest threat to 54-hole leader Jordan Spieth.

Coverage will still start at 3 p.m. ET though, for some inexplicable reason.