The next two Ryder Cups between
Europe and the United States are to be televised exclusively
live on Sky Sports, the satellite broadcaster announced on
Friday.
The Americans defend the trophy in 2001 at The Belfry and
the 2003 match is at Oakland Hills, Detroit.
Under a four-year deal with the PGA European Tour, Sky has
also renewed its broadcast rights to the Tour and will show at
least 33 live events each year.
A BBC spokesman said: "The PGA has missed a golden
opportunity to give the Ryder Cup back to the nation,
especially after its recent well-publicised dismay at the
broadcasting arrangements this year.
"The BBC made a very competitive and imaginative bid for
the Ryder Cup package - one which more than matched
BSkyB's. We do not believe that the PGA can possibly
justify this decision, which lets down millions of golf fans.
"In addition, at a time when the golf industry is complaining
about falling interest in the game, the decision seems quite
out of step with public opinion.
"Earlier this year our nightly highlights of the Ryder Cup at
Brookline attracted audiences in excess of two million despite
starting for contractual reasons close to midnight. In contract,
BSkyB's live coverage had around 500,000 viewers.
"Our live coverage of the US Masters in April was seen by a
peak audience of 3.6million and our rating for the final day of
the Open championship at Carnoustie in July approached
seven million.
"No-one does more to support golf in the UK than BBC
Sport."
Ken Schofield, the Tour's executive director, countered:
"The commitment made by Sky Television to golf has been
unprecedented and this agreement will not only extend our
partnership, but also enhance the continued development of
the game throughout Europe and beyond."
