Sky Sports joins BBC as live Masters broadcaster

Starting from next year Sky Sports will join BBC as a live broadcaster of the Masters, the golf season's first Major.

Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced the additions to the television schedule that will include an extra hour of live coverage on Thursday and Friday.

"Since our first telecast of the Masters in 1956, we have carefully maintained a tradition of high-quality programming within an appropriate broadcast window," said Payne.

"Now, with the proper infrastructure and resources in place, we are confident the additional coverage will meet the high standards of the millions of golf fans who enjoy viewing the Masters each April."

The BBC, which now maintains an uninterrupted relationship with the Masters since 1986, will deliver the tournament live on the weekend.

Sky Sports will televise Wednesday's Par 3 Contest and the four tournament rounds, Thursday to Sunday live.

Sky Sports also brings with it the ability to distribute the first live 3D Masters coverage to UK viewers with 3D-capable televisions.

"We consider ourselves fortunate to have two committed television partners who are able to reach both new and established audiences throughout the United Kingdom," added Payne.

"This agreement was successful in both preserving a long-term partnership and adding a new dimension to our coverage in the UK."

In total, it is expected that the Masters will be telecast live or delayed in more than 200 countries.

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