Sky Sports and the Ladies European Tour today announced they have agreed a new 3-year deal extending the broadcaster’s commitment to ladies golf.
Under the new agreement Sky Sports will broadcast the next Solheim Cup matches at Crooked Stick, Indiana, in September 2005.
They will also cover a minimum of 12 events each season from the Ladies European Tour with prime-time coverage in the week following each event.
The deal is announced as Sky Sports prepares to broadcast 40 hours of coverage from the 2003 Solheim Cup at Barseback in Sweden. The exclusive live coverage will include both the opening and closing ceremonies and will follow the action from the first drive to final putt as Europe’s women battle to regain the title.
“We are delighted by the continued support shown by Sky Sports for the Ladies European Tour,” said Robin Gibson, Commercial Director of the Ladies European Tour.
“Women’s golf is growing rapidly in Europe and the Tour is progressing at a similar pace, which is a sign of a buoyant and increasingly stable future for the women’s professional game.
He continued; “The jewel in the crown is The Solheim Cup, which has developed incredibly in just 13 years into one of the most anticipated events in world golf. We are Thrilled that Sky Sports will be devoting so much coverage to the tournament in both 2003 and 2005.”
Live coverage of the 8th Solheim Cup will be presented by David Livingstone with Trish Johnson – one of Europe’s finest female golfers and a veteran of five Solheim Cups – the expert studio guest. Commentary will be provided by Ewen Murray, Bruce Critchley, Howard Clark, former Curtis Cup player Beverly Huke and Mickey Walker, captain of Europe’s 1992 Solheim Cup-winning team.
The new deal for Ladies golf follows a number of recent golf deals for Sky Sports; the US Women’s Open [until the end of 2009], Curtis Cup [2006], Ryder Cup [2006 & 2008], European Tour [until end 2009], World Golf Championship events [until end 2009], US Open [until end 2007], and PGA Championship [until end 2009]. Golf is now shown on Sky Sports every week of the year with over 100 tournaments covered this season.
SOLHEIM CUP 2003
Thursday 11 September 1900 – 2100 Sky Sports 1 preview
Friday 12 September 0600 – 1700 Sky Sports 1 LIVE 2300 – 0100 Sky Sports 2 highlights
Saturday 13 September 0700 – 1800 Sky Sports 2 LIVE 2300 – 0100 Sky Sports 2 highlights
Sunday 14 September 0630 – 1300 Sky Sports 2 LIVE 1600 – 2000 Sky Sports 2 highlights 2300 – 0200 Sky Sports 2 highlights
