What format change in 1958 influenced a contract with CBS?

The format change that occurred in 1958, which influenced a contract with CBS, was the introduction of stroke play. This shift allowed for a more straightforward and viewer-friendly approach to televised golf.

Stroke play, where the total number of strokes is counted over a round or tournament, enhances competitiveness and excitement, making it easier for audiences to follow along and understand the ranking of players. Unlike match play, which can involve complicated scenarios of head-to-head competition, stroke play provides a clear outcome based on cumulative performance. This clarity makes it more appealing for television broadcasts, which rely on viewer engagement and straightforward narratives during coverage.

This format change not only affected how tournaments were organized but also had significant implications for sponsorships and broadcasting contracts, indicating the growing commercial interest in the sport during that era.