IMG extends global rights deal for US golf majors

The IMG agency has agreed a five-year extension to its agreement with the PGA of America to distribute international broadcast rights for golf majors the PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship.

The new contract will run from 2017 until 2021 and extends the relationship between IMG and the PGA to 35 years, having first begun in 1986. Rights for North America are not included under the deal.

Ioris Francini, president of IMG Media, said: “The PGA Championship annually delivers compelling storylines and is conducted on great courses with the world’s top players. It remains a signature event on the sporting calendar, and we will strive to increase viewership around the world.”

This year’s PGA Championship will be played at the Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, from July 28-31. It will be the 98th edition of the Championship, which began in October 1916 at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. Australia’s Jason Day (pictured) is the reigning champion.

The 77th Senior PGA Championship, the most historic and prestigious event in senior golf, will be played from May 26-29 at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The Senior PGA Championship was first played in 1937 at Augusta National Golf Club.