Sky Sports has confirmed that it has won exclusive rights to show the British Open from 2017.
The broadcaster has signed a five-year deal with the R&A to provide coverage of the Major.
The BBC, who has covered the event for the past 60 years, will show daily highlights and broadcast the tournament on radio.
Chief executive of the R&A Peter Dawson said in an open letter: "I recognise that this new broadcast model represents a significant change and I understand that change, particularly where it involves the BBC, is controversial. We have observed, over several years, that the way the majority of people are choosing to consume sport is changing.
"Time pressures, multi-channel viewing providing sport and entertainment from all over the world, the second screen phenomenon, social media and digital consumption are all important factors in considering how we reach fans of all ages but particularly the younger generation. We have to cater for that changing environment and deliver the best viewing experience possible to golf fans.
"We have considered this new agreement extremely carefully and firmly believe that by working with the two leading sports broadcasters for the UK and Ireland we have achieved the best result not just for the future of The Open but for golf as a whole."
Rory McIlroy won his maiden British Open title last year when he triumphed at Hoylake.
Jack Prescott
