NBC’s U.S. Open ratings were down from last year. The probable reason? A suddenly fallible Tiger Woods.

Numbers for NBC’s weekend coverage were down 7 percent in households compared to last year, when Woods coasted to an historical 15-stroke victory.

Woods wasn’t ever a serious challenger this year, with unknown Retief Goosen claiming victory Monday in a sudden-death 18-round playoff versus Mark Brooks.

Still, NBC says 48 million viewers watched all or part of last Saturday and Sunday’s coverage – compared to 53 million last year.

The combined 14 hours and 15 minutes of coverage on NBC Saturday and Sunday from Southern Hills Golf Club in Tulsa was just a 7 percent dropoff from last year’s ratings.

Meanwhile, Goosen’s sudden-death victory over Brooks was watched in about 4 million households from 2 to 4:15 p.m., not bad for a Monday sporting event competing against soap operas and talk shows.

Woods finished an uncharacteristic 3-over – tied for 12th place.

Overall, ratings for PGA Tour events this year have increased 43 percent when Woods is in contention, according to CBS, which televises the PGA Tour.