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BBC loses live rights to broadcast The Open

Rory McIlroy won his first Claret Jug last summer © Getty Images

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The R&A have denied that Sky Sports' acquisition of the rights to show live coverage of The Open from the BBC will lead to a reduction in golf participation.

Sky today confirmed they have been awarded an exclusive five-year contract to show the competition live from 2017, bringing to an end what will have been a 61-year association on free-to-air television with the BBC.

"I know there are many who are concerned that The Open no longer being shown live on the BBC will lead to a reduction in participation in our sport and I wanted to take this opportunity to address this specific point," Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, said in a statement on the official Open website.

"We have looked at this issue very carefully and believe it is not possible to make an informed case that participation is simply and directly linked to free-to-air television viewing.

"There is no question that free-to-air sports broadcasts generate good exposure for sport, we see this time and again through the Olympic Games, the World Cup and Wimbledon. But, firm conclusions about their positive impact on participation cannot be drawn.

"On the contrary, golf's reported recent decline in participation coincides with The Open, Women's British Open and the Masters Tournament being shown on free-to-air television. And, during that same period we have also seen participation in other sports, shown frequently on free-to-air television, decrease while some others, shown exclusively on subscription television, have seen an increase.

"Exposure is important, but is just one of many ingredients required to generate growth in participation."

Under the current deal, the BBC are paying £7 million a year for the rights, with Sky reportedly offering double that figure.

"Our new agreement will enable us to take our support of golf's development in the UK and Ireland to unprecedented levels," added Dawson.

"Additionally, we are undertaking a comprehensive strategic review on the subject of golf participation in the UK and Ireland and we will ensure that golf feels the full benefit of the enhanced resources available."

The new deal with Sky commences at what will be the 146th Open Championship, being played at Royal Birkdale from July 16-23 2017.

A two-hour daily highlights programme will be provided by the BBC in prime-time as well as live coverage on radio.

The decision to move from terrestrial TV has been criticised by several high-profile players, with former world No.1 Lee Westwood calling it "an absolute disgrace".

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