BBC surrenders live Open Championship TV rights

Sky Sports will broadcast The Open Championship live from 2016

Hazel Irvine and Peter Alliss in the BBC Golf studio. Credit: David Cannon (Getty)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Sky Sports will broadcast The Open Championship live from 2016 after the BBC approached tournament organisers The R&A and requested to be released from its contract a year early

Sky Sports will broadcast The Open Championship live from 2016 after the BBC approached tournament organisers The R&A and requested to be released from its contract a year early.

The R&A subsequently accepted the public broadcaster’s proposal and allowed the BBC to amend its arrangements for coverage of next year’s event at Royal Troon.

Following discussions, The R&A approached Sky Sports, who agreed to take up the live broadcasting reins a year ahead of schedule.

The BBC will produce a highlights package, deliver live radio coverage and publicise the event via its digital channels, but The R&A – which will receive no additional revenue from the new arrangement – must now source a new partner to look after the world feed.

“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,” said Marin Slumbers, The R&A’s Chief Executive, who officially began his tenure at the start of this week following the retirement of Peter Dawson.

“It’s sad to see the BBC’s live coverage of The Open end and I know some fans will be disappointed. The relationship between The R&A and the BBC spans more than 60 years and we understand the challenging circumstances the BBC is currently presented with.

“I know the BBC will produce compelling highlights, which will be enjoyed by a large prime-time audience.

“We are committed to delivering a spectacular edition of The Open next year at Royal Troon and working with both Sky Sports and the BBC we will ensure compelling coverage for millions of fans throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.”

This news will no doubt revive the debate around the BBC’s dedication to the sport – something many, including Golf Monthly editor Michael Harris, believe sits in stark contrast to Sky Sports.

It is, however, unfortunate that popular broadcasters Peter Alliss and Ken Brown weren’t given a proper send of at St Andrews.

Nick Bonfield
Content Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, commissioning and feature writing. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x