By Steven Crawford
Copyright belfastlive
Rory McIlroy’s defence of his Masters title will be broadcast on a new platform as for the first time in its storied history the iconic tournament struck a deal with the new service. Come 2026, Amazon Prime Video will transmit golf’s most coveted championship from Augusta alongside CBS Sports, ESPN and Paramount+. The broadcasters will be hoping for another exciting competition after McIlroy captured the green jacket for the first time in a thrilling finale earlier this year . “Working alongside Amazon in this capacity is an exciting opportunity for the Masters Tournament and its fans,” Augusta and Masters Chairman Fred Ridley said. “We are proud of our longstanding partnerships with CBS Sports and ESPN, who have set the highest standard for broadcast coverage of the Masters. “The addition of Amazon will only further our abilities to expand and enhance how the Tournament is presented and enjoyed.” The broadcasting shake-up will not impact UK golf fans, with Sky Sports continuing as the home broadcaster. Amazon and ESPN will divide the US transmission responsibilities for the opening two rounds of the Masters next year. Prime Video’s coverage will kick off at 1pm ET (6pm UK time) and conclude at 3pm ET (8pm UK time). ESPN will then pick up the baton, with their transmission starting at 3pm ET and finishing at 7:30pm ET (12:30am UK time). For the weekend rounds at Augusta next year, Paramount+ will capture all the action from 12pm ET (5pm UK time) until 2pm ET (7pm UK time). CBS will then assume control from 2pm ET through to 7pm ET (12am ET). McIlroy will arrive at Augusta next year as the reigning champion after securing his first Green Jacket in the most thrilling of fashions. It seemed as though the Northern Irish golfer had squandered his opportunity to secure the career grand slam when he lost a four-shot lead with just seven holes left in the final round. McIlroy was then thrust into a sudden-death play-off against English golfing star, Justin Rose. Despite the immense pressure, McIlroy demonstrated exceptional calm and precision to sink a two-foot putt for the win. Overwhelmed with relief, McIlroy sank to his knees, visibly moved by his victory.
