Sky Sports will continue to show live coverage of the Masters from Augusta National after they announced a new multi-year agreement announced today.
From 2015, Sky Sports will continue to be the only broadcaster all four days of golf’s first Major of the year. Although no announcements have been announced Sky will continue to have day’s 1 and 2 exclusive, and it looks like the BBC will continue to share coverage of the weekends with Sky. BBC were previously full rights holders until 2011 when Sky became joint broadcasters, it looks like the agreement from then will continue from 2015.
In this extended deal for Sky Sports will continue to air the Par 3 contest and the red button extra coverage including Amen corner, along with selected groups and holes.
Barney Francis, managing director Sky Sports, said: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Augusta National.
“The Masters is more than a Major, it is a magical tournament played on a magnificent golf course, producing incredible golf every year. Only on Sky Sports can viewers enjoy all four days live, plus the annual Par 3 Contest with extra coverage across a variety of platforms.
“We look forward to continuing our coverage of the Masters and providing the coverage this unique golf event deserves.”
The 2014 Masters gets under way today with David Livingstone leading the coverage. There is analysis and commentary from 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, former winning European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie and coach Butch Harmon. Also in the commentary box are Ewen Murray and Bruce Critchley, while Tim Barter will provide reports through the event. Jack Nicklaus, the six-time Masters winner, is joining the Sky team tonight and on Sunday.
The Masters Breakfast, which will continue in the new deal, airs each morning with highlights and chat coming from the Isleworth studios fronted by Rob Lee.
The BBC coverage in 2014 will have highlights of Day 1 and 2, with live coverage on Saturday and Sunday fronted by Hazel Irvine with the team including Peter Allis, Andrew Cotter and Ken Brown.
