The BBC agreed to an extension of its deal to broadcast the Masters. The new agreement includes highlights of the opening two rounds of the tournament, as well as live coverage of the Saturday and Sunday rounds. Radio 5 live and Radio 5 live sports extra will feature live commentary of all four days of the first major of the year from Augusta National Golf Club. This year's tournament will be held from April 6-9. There will be digital feeds from Amen Corner, holes 15 and 16, featured groups and the driving range. This is the BBC's 50th year broadcasting the major (BBC). In London, Alex Martin reported coverage of the first and second rounds "remains the reserve of Sky Sports." The news brings an "end to speculation" that the BBC was ready to end its association with the tournament as it comes "under pressure from the government to cut back on spending." The BBC ended its deal with The Open a year early in '15 "to save money with Sky Sports taking exclusive rights from them" with a £15M ($18.2M)-a-year agreement (DAILY MAIL, 3/14).
