Corporation will have no live coverage of the sport next year for the first time since 1955
Sky Sports is to become the exclusive UK live broadcaster of the Masters tournament, in a deal that leaves the BBC with no live professional golf next year for the first time since 1955.
Sky’s new deal, which begins in 2020, puts an end to a recent arrangement in which full coverage of two rounds of the competition broadcast on the BBC as well as Sky.
Sky Sports will be the sole broadcaster of the tournament from Augusta, extending its partnership with the Masters into its second decade.
The BBC lost the rights to the Open in 2016, ending a 60-year run with the tournament, while its live Masters coverage was cut back to two days in 2011.
For next year’s Masters, the BBC will air highlights after each day’s play.
All four days of the Masters, set for 9 - 12 April, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports’ dedicated golf channel.
Sky Sports managing director Rob Webster said: “The Masters has provided some spectacular moments on Sky Sports - not least Tiger Woods’ unforgettable comeback this year - and we look forward to broadcasting many more at one of the most iconic global sporting events.
“We are proud of our 10-year association with Augusta National, and our golf team does a great job sharing the magic of the Masters with our viewers.”
In 2019, Sky Sports Golf has hosted all four men’s Majors, all five women’s Majors and the Solheim Cup.
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