Nine adds Australian Open, PGA to TV schedule

It comes as no surprise that the amalgamation of the various golfing bodies in Australia has had a positive result on both the men’s and women’s game.

With an entire population smaller than some cities in the world, the previously siloed approach resulted in prize money stagnating across the past two decades and golf, in general, flagging in terms of domestic TV coverage.

World No.2 Smith will be one to watch this year as he chases a third Australian PGA title and his first Australian Open trophy (Credit: Anthony Powter)

It seems all that will change this year with the announcement of a move to Channel Nine, which will take on the free-to-air broadcast rights along with streaming via the 9NOW app — a welcome free alternative to Fox Sports and Kayo for the two major events on the local calendar.

“A commitment to working together as Australian Golf made this broadcast deal possible. By working together, the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia, WPGA Tour of Australasia and industry partners have been able to secure one of the best fan-focussed broadcast deals in our collective history,” said PGA Commercial Director of Australasia, Michael McDonald.

“Together we will continue working towards our shared ambition to create an exciting summer of golf that includes great events, engaging content for fans both old and new, new revenue, and a compelling proposition for commercial partners.”

“We look forward to seeing our tournaments across Nine, Foxtel, Kayo Sports and throughout NZ and we thank our broadcasters for their commitment to Australian golf.”

A previous landmark deal with Fox Sports and Kayo paved the way for the entire local schedule to be available on the pay-per-view networks.

The WA PGA Championship kicked off this morning in Kalgoorlie and marks the start of the 2022/2023 Australasian PGA Tour. Coverage will available live from this weekend on Fox Sports and Kayo.