Sky Sports to begin live coverage of the Open in 2016
Monday 5 October 2015 13:08, UK
Sky Sports will begin its partnership with the R&A next year, with exclusive live coverage of the 145th Open from Royal Troon.
The agreement follows the announcement in February that from 2017, Sky Sports will be the new home of golf's oldest major championship.
Sky Sports will now begin its coverage in 2016 and will offer unprecedented round-the-clock programming, including live coverage of all four days play in their entirety.
The agreement means that next year, Sky Sports viewers can enjoy all four majors, the Ryder Cup, the European Tour and the PGA Tour, as well as a host of other live events and programming.
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."
The Open joins an unrivalled schedule of sport on Sky in 2016, including more Barclays Premier League football than ever before, ICC World Twenty20 and England Test match cricket, Formula 1 and England rugby union.
Those wishing to watch without subscription to Sky can do so via NOW TV, the UK's leading streaming service which offers access to all seven Sky Sports channels for £6.99 for one day or £10.99 for a week pass.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: "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 Sports will offer live coverage of all four days from Royal Troon, including extended build-up throughout the week, and support programming available across its channels and digital outlets. Content will also be available to view online, on mobile and tablet devices giving viewers the freedom to watch however they choose.
Golf coverage features on Sky Sports every week of the year and has studio analysis from some of the sport's biggest names, including Colin Montgomerie, Butch Harmon and Paul McGinley.
Sky has pioneered golf innovations to continually develop the coverage and to bring fans closer to the sport, including showing all three days in full of The Ryder Cup, HD, 3D, interactive and multi-platform coverage, and more in-depth analysis through the Shot Centre and Sky Cart.
