The R&A announces digital enhancements for 2012 Open

The R&A has announced digital enhancements for this year's Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St Annes, keeping golf fans completely up to date online and on the move.

For the first time, people throughout the UK will be able to follow all the action, with live coverage being streamed on the Open's award-winning mobile apps and website, www.TheOpen.com.

In addition to continuous television coverage, iPad, iPhone and Android apps will feature live radio, scoring, player press conferences, video highlights, player profiles and an interactive course guide.

The Open's interactive digital channel, '@TheOpen LIVE', also returns, with Dominc Holyer giving behind the scenes access to golf's oldest major.

The official championship website has been enhanced, with the course guide section now offering both flyovers and 3D renderings of each hole, and the leaderboard section provides scoring in four different views.

"The R&A's digital vision in to deliver more than 150 years of history, tradition and prestige through contemporary media, to ensure the drama and passion of golf's oldest major can be enjoyed by fans throughout the world," said Malcolm Booth, the R&A's Director of Communications.

"Our decision to allow mobile phones was made largely because we see the potential for spectators' own devices to significantly enhance their viewing experience."