Sky Sports edges out BBC for Masters golf coverage

Sky Sports has won the exclusive UK rights to the Masters, the first major golf tournament of the season. 

From 2020, pay TV channel Sky Sports Golf will be the only place that UK viewers will be able to see the premier golf tournament. The deal extends a relationship between Sky and the Masters that was forged in 2011.

Sky is now the exclusive host to all four golf majors, with the broadcaster also securing a deal to show the Open Championship exclusively until 2024.

Live coverage from Sky will include all four tournament rounds live from Augusta National and the Par 3 Contest along with a daily practice range show.

Sky Sports MD 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.”

The announcement also sees the further withdrawal of live sports from free TV in the UK, with the BBC – which has broadcast the tournament since 1955 – resigned to just a highlights package. This follows the broadcaster’s loss of the Open in 2016 and leaves only the FA Cup and Wimbledon as the BBC’s top live sports events.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We continue to operate in a period of huge financial restraint and as such, all sport rights decisions must be scrutinised closely.

“Our audiences will still be able to follow the Masters extensively across BBC radio and on the BBC Sport website, in addition to the daily television highlights.”