The BBC and R&A have agreed a new multi-million pound deal to televise
the Open championship for the next five years.
Last month's Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes, won by David Duval, marked
the end of the previous five-year contract.
That deal was believed to be worth £10million and although no figures
have been disclosed for the new agreement, it is believed the BBC could have had
to pay up to three times that amount to secure the rights.
Peter Dawson, secretary of the R&A, said: "For reasons of confidentiality,
financial and other contractual details cannot be disclosed but both BBC Sport
and ourselves are satisfied that a sensible, yet commercial agreement has been
reached which will enable the R&A to continue to fund the development of golf
throughout the world.
"The R&A is delighted to have reached a further five-year agreement
with the BBC which ensures that the Open championship will remain on terrestrial
television.
"We have the best possible relationship with the BBC and this new contract
ensures that the widest possible audience will continue to be able to watch golf's
oldest major championships."
Dominic Coles, BBC Sport director of rights and finance added: "The R&A
recognises that BBC Sport not only brings sport to audiences but audiences to
sport.
"Nearly six million viewers watched David Duval's victory on the final
day of this year's championship and we are delighted to be able to bring the most
prestigious golf championship in the world to sports fans, free to air."
The agreement covers the years 2002-2006 and also includes live coverage of
home Walker Cup ties and edited highlights of the Amateur and Boys' championships
and the St Andrews Trophy.
