BBC loses exclusive Masters coverage
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The BBC has lost its coverage of first two rounds of The Masters to Sky Sports.
Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced the changes in the UK scheduling from next year.
There were rumours at this year’s event that the BBC would lose its coverage completely. But their relationship with Augusta, going back to 1986, means they will keep the weekend.
“Since our first telecast of the Masters in 1956, we have carefully maintained a tradition of high-quality programming within an appropriate broadcast window,” said Payne.
“Now, with the proper infrastructure and resources in place, we are confident the additional coverage will meet the high standards of the millions of golf fans who enjoy viewing the Masters each April.”
Payne also announced that Sky Sports will join the BBC as a live broadcaster of the Masters during the 2011 Tournament.
The BBC, which now maintains an uninterrupted relationship with the Masters since 1986, will deliver the Tournament live on the weekend. Sky Sports will televise Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest and the four Tournament rounds Thursday – Sunday live. Sky Sports also brings with it the ability to distribute the first live 3D Masters coverage to UK viewers with 3D-capable televisions.
“We consider ourselves fortunate to have two committed television partners who are able to reach both new and established audiences throughout the United Kingdom,” Payne said. “This agreement was successful in both preserving a long-term partnership and adding a new dimension to our coverage in the UK.”
