Sky to begin coverage for The Open a year early

Published:

Sky Sports will broadcast the Open a year earlier than planned from 2016 after the BBC cancelled its deal with the R&A. 

The satellite channel will have exclusive live coverage of next year’s event from Royal Troon.

It follows the announcement in February that Sky Sports had secured the TV rights to golf’s oldest Major championship from 2017.  

Barney Francis, Sky Sports Managing Director, said: “We’re pleased to begin our commitment to The Open a year early and look forward to bringing unprecedented coverage of this wonderful Championship.  We have exciting plans to take coverage of The Open to the next level across our TV, mobile and digital outlets.” 

Martin Slumbers, the new Chief Executive of The R&A, added: “We are looking forward to world-class coverage of The Open from our partners at Sky Sports and are grateful that they have stepped in a year early. 

“We are committed to delivering a spectacular edition of The Open next year at Royal Troon.” 

Sky will provide live coverage of all four days from Troon. Content will also be available to view online, on mobile and tablet devices giving viewers the freedom to watch however they choose.

Paul McGinley, Butch Harmon and Sarah Stirk will be part of Sky’s live coverage of all four majors and the Ryder Cup from 2016. 

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