The Open to offer most ‘comprehensive’ coverage in its history

The R&A have stated that the 145^th Open at Royal Troon will offer the most comprehensive television and digital coverage in the Championship’s history.

The decision to move The Open from the BBC to Sky was criticised, with some concerned that not having the event on free to air television would damage the sport and could negatively affect participation levels. The Open is still on the BBC with the channel broadcasting a nightly two hour prime-time highlights programme.

The opening tee shot will be broadcast live on television for the first time as part of Sky Sports’ coverage when Colin Montgomerie gets The Open under way at 6:35am on Thursday. Sky Sports will feature extended round-the-clock programming on the dedicated ‘Sky Sports The Open’ channel.

On Thursday 14 July, fans in the UK and Ireland can watch the opening round of The Open without a Sky subscription using a Sky Sports Day Pass, offered free of charge through NOW TV. Spectators can tune in on over 60 different devices including computers, tablets and mobile devices by visiting www.nowtv.com/freepass. Daily and weekly NOW TV passes are also available for only £6.99 and £10.99 respectively.

Live golf coverage will be available across all four days on TheOpen.com through a dedicated Feature Group channel and Three Hole channel showing all the action from the 6^th, 7^th, and famous Postage Stamp 8^th hole. Golf fans will also be able to access rich content features on TheOpen.com.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “The way people consume sporting events is changing and it is very important that we deliver The Open to people on every device in the way they want to consume it. We are excited about the array of options that are available for fans of all ages to watch The Open this year and our aim is to give them an outstanding viewing experience.

“For the first time, The R&A has taken control of its television production and invested millions of pounds in innovation that we believe will revolutionise the viewing experience of The Open.”