Seven and Australian Golf sign long-term partnership

Australian golf’s premier events will be broadcast by the Seven Network this summer and beyond.

Seven, Australia’s most-watched broadcast television platform, the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia today confirmed a new long-term agreement to broadcast the Emirates Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship.

The Emirates Australian Open, hosted by The Australian Golf Club in Sydney from 23-26 November, has in recent years enjoyed excellent ratings and attendance by attracting some of the world’s best players including dual champion Jordan Spieth.

The following week, the Australian PGA Championship will be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from 30 November to 3 December and will welcome the European Tour to Australia for the co-sanctioned tournament. The tournament honour roll features an incredible list of past champions including Adam Scott, Greg Chalmers, Peter Senior and Geoff Ogilvy.

With both tournaments broadcast live for five hours each round, the deal ensures Australian golf fans can access live golf free to air.

Seven’s Head of Sport Saul Shtein said: “We take great pride in our long association with the Emirates Australian Open, as one of the great sports events in Australia. The Australian PGA Championship is also a time-honoured tournament in world golf and with its co-sanctioned deal, our broadcast will reach around the world, continuing to enhance Seven’s reputation as the network of the biggest events in golf.”

Golf Australia Chief Executive Officer Stephen Pitt said: “We are thrilled that a long-term deal has been secured with Channel 7, a tremendous partner to all in Australian golf. The Emirates Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship both have storied histories and our deal with Seven is the best way to ensure as many people around the world have the chance to be part of our rich history.”

PGA of Australia and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Chief Executive Officer Gavin Kirkman said: “Australian golf has found a wonderful home and partner in Channel 7. I commend them on their commitment to the game and sports fans.

“We have seen some enthralling finishes to ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia tournaments in recent years including the marathon seven-hole playoff at the 2015 Australian PGA Championship and of course Jordan Spieth winning a second Stonehaven Cup when he prevailed at the Emirates Australian Open last year over our most recent PGA TOUR winner Cameron Smith and Ashley Hall.

“I am sure that this year’s tournaments will produce as many memorable moments and, thanks to Channel 7, sports fans can witness them all.”