The R&A has concluded an agreement with BBC Sport to televise The Open Championship and other events for a further five years.
Commenting on the agreement Peter Dawson, secretary of the R&A, said, “The R&A is delighted to have reached a further 5 year agreement with the BBC which ensures that the Open Championship will remain on terrestrial television. We have the best possible relationship with the BBC and this contract ensures that the widest possible audience will be able to watch golf’s oldest major championship.
“For reasons of confidentiality, financial and other contractural details cannot be disclosed but both BBC Sport and ourselves are satisfied that a sensible yet commercial agreement has been reached which will enable the R&A to continue to fund the development of golf throughout the world.”
Dominic Cole, BBC Sport director of rights and finance, said, “The R&A recognises that BBC Sport not only brings sport to audiences but also audiences to sport. Nearly six million viewers watched David Duval’s victory in The Open Championship live on BBC1. We are delighted to be able to bring the most prestigious golf championship in the world to sports fans free to air.”
The agreement covers the years 2002 to 2006 and includes live coverage of The Open and the Walker Cup (when played in the UK) and edited highlights of the Amateur and Boys Championships and the St Andrews Trophy.
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