R and A extend BBC contract up to and including 2016 Open

The R and A has announced the extension of its deal with BBC, giving the network exclusive television rights through the 2016 Open.
Said Peter Dawson, chief executive of The R and A: “The R and A has enjoyed a special relationship with the BBC for more than 50 years. On the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of The Open Championship, we are very pleased to have ensured the continuation of that relationship.
“It is very important to The R and A that The Open remains accessible to as many people as possible and the BBC is an ideal partner in fulfilling this ambition across the United Kingdom.”
The new agreement also gives BBC coverage rights for radio, online, interactive and iPlayer. This year’s Open telecast, with more than 40 hours of coverage, was the first to be shown in high definition.
Barbara Slater, BBC’s director of sport, called the Open “one of our most important crown-jewel events.”
“We are delighted to have extended our partnership. . . (and) look forward to continuing to bring top-class golf coverage to the widest possible audiences through to 2016,” Slater said.