Augusta National Golf Club

Pay-television broadcaster Sky New Zealand is to broadcast the Masters, golf’s first major of the year.

Pay-television broadcaster Sky has secured exclusive live rights in the UK to the Masters after extending its deal with the US golf major’s organiser, Augusta National.

Augusta National Golf Club, the home of the Masters, has confirmed it will host a women’s tournament ahead of next year’s edition of the major.

Fred Ridley has been appointed as chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament, after Billy Payne opted to retire from the position.

The Masters has established itself at the top table of golf majors thanks to a long-term strategy of careful quality control over its brand. Richard Gillis reports.