Golf News: - Posted 10th December 1997

USGA extends NBC contract until 2003

Far Hills, New Jersey - The United States Golf Association (USGA) and NBC Sports have agreed to a new four-year television contract extension beginning in 2000, which keeps the USGA's major championships -- including the U.S. Open -- on NBC through 2003.

The announcement was made jointly by USGA President Judy Bell and Dick Ebersol, president of NBC Sports.

Under the agreement, NBC retain exclusive United States broadcast rights to the U.S. Open, the U.S. Women's Open, the U.S. Senior Open, and the U.S. Amateur championships. Additionally, NBC Sports will continue to produce its U.S. Open Preview and annual Year in Review shows. (ESPN continues to hold exclusive national cable rights).

"We have been thrilled with the NBC-USGA team effort, which has brought more national championship coverage to more people than ever before," said Bell. "This is a central part of our overall desire to promote golf's national championships, and we know that the network shares our interest."

"We are delighted to be able to continue our partnership with the USGA," said Ebersol. "We feel especially grateful that the USGA has agreed to extend the relationship so far in advance, and we look forward to these great championships remaining on NBC for years to come."

Through 2003, the U.S. Open will receive 16 hours of over-the-air coverage on NBC, and the network will provide six hours of live coverage of both the U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Senior Open, and four hours of coverage of the U.S. Amateur. As was the case in the existing contract, the USGA has the option to extend the agreement beyond 2003.