The BBC’s ever-shrinking golf portfolio has been reduced even further after it was confirmed that Sky will be the exclusive holders of the live rights for The Masters in the UK and Ireland as of next year.

Up until 2011, the Beeb broadcast all four rounds of the opening men’s major but, having lost the rights to Sky, terrestrial viewers could still watch live coverage of the third and fourth rounds from Augusta on the BBC.

Glasgow Times:

Under the latest deal, however, golf fans without a Sky subscription will have to settle for a highlights package.

Sky Sports' managing director Rob Webster said: "The Masters has provided some spectacular moments on Sky Sports - not least Tiger Woods' unforgettable comeback this year - and we look forward to broadcasting many more at one of the most iconic global sporting events.

"We are proud of our ten-year association with Augusta National, and our golf team does a great job sharing the magic of the Masters with our viewers."