The R&A confirmed to Golf Digest Middle East overnight that the year’s final major will be streamed live, geo-tagged across the Middle East, on TheOpen.com.

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Confirmation from Mike Woodcock, the R&A’s Director of Corporate Communications – “I have been advised that it will be streamed on TheOpen.com in your region.” – comes as a major relief after a frustrating year for followers of the royal and ancient game across the Middle East.

Broadcaster OSN’s decision to jettison golf from its pay-to-view sports offering on April 1 saw an 11th hour deal with Facebook Live struck so fans could watch Tiger Woods’ remarkable 15th major title win at Augusta National. But the April Fools Day clanger became very unfunny with coverage of the following U.S. PGA Championship and U.S. Open restricted to featured group and featured hole coverage online.

Golf Digest Middle East has remained in contact with The R&A since June 21 seeking clarification as to whether the Open’s return to Royal Portrush for just the second time, and the first time 68 years, would be shown live in the Middle East.

The persistence has paid off – bravo to the R&A – and the reward looks set to begin at 9.35am on Thursday (UAE time) when Royal Portrush’s favourite son Darren Clark hits the opening tee shot. Just in case you were wondering, Tiger Woods opens his tilt at a fourth claret jug at 6.10pm UAE time. 

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The post Live Open Championship coverage to be streamed to major starved Middle East fans appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.