The R&A has moved to allay fears its decision to award live television rights of The Open to Sky Sports will have a negative impact on golf participation.
The governing body announced on Tuesday that Sky had secured exclusive rights in a five-year deal from 2017, taking over from the BBC.
High-profile players have voiced their disappointment about the move, with former world number one and 2010 Open runner-up Lee Westwood branding it an “absolute disgrace”.
Westwood is worried that it will strike a further blow to the sport in that area, and has suggested the decision was simply money-driven.
But in an open letter published on Tuesday, R&A chief executive Peter Dawson has insisted “numerous factors” were taken into account and played down talk about the relationship between free-to-air viewing and participation.
Dawson said: “I recognise that this new broadcast model represents a significant change and I understand that change, particularly where it involves the BBC, is controversial.”
He continued: “We have considered this new agreement extremely carefully and firmly believe that we have achieved the best result not just for the future of the Open but for golf as a whole.
“I know there are many who are concerned that the Open no longer being shown live on the BBC will lead to a reduction in participation in our sport and I wanted to take this opportunity to address this specific point.
“We have looked at this issue very carefully and believe it is not possible to make an informed case that participation is simply and directly linked to free-to-air television viewing.”
He added: “Significantly, our new agreement will enable us to take our support of golf’s development in the UK and Ireland to unprecedented levels.
“Additionally, we are undertaking a comprehensive strategic review on the subject of golf participation and we will ensure that golf feels the full benefit of the enhanced resources available.”
Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said: “The Open is the world’s preeminent golf championship and we are committed to taking coverage of the event to new levels.”
Within the new deal which commences at the 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July 2017 the BBC will offer two-hour daily highlights and live radio and online coverage.
Barbara Slater, the BBC’s director of sport, said: “We’re obviously disappointed that we were unable to retain live TV coverage of the Open Championship.
“However, we’re pleased to be continuing our 60-year partnership with the R&A and feel that a comprehensive two-hour highlights programme in a prime-time slot over four days will allow us to continue to bring all the best action and key moments from the Open to a large free-to-air audience on TV, radio and online.”
BBC presenter and commentator Peter Alliss said on Tuesday that the news “really saddens” him.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the 83-year-old added: “I know they (the R&A) do lots of lovely, lovely things, but now when it comes down to the nitty-gritty they have dipped their hands into the money and that’s it.
“I don’t think there will be a golfer that won’t be bitterly disappointed at the news today.”
Westwood had his say over the weekend, telling the Sunday Telegraph: “I cannot believe the Open isn’t protected as one of the crown jewels that is an absolute disgrace.
“It’s very disappointing, even though I can appreciate how much Sky have done for the European Tour, and how much they’ve done for the game of golf.
“But look at the viewing figures for Sky compared to the BBC and you have to question it when the number of golfers is dwindling.
“It (the R&A) is the guardian of the game, but it seems to be all money-driven, and Sky are willing to pay more than anyone else.”
2012 US Open champion Graeme McDowell backed Westwood, while European Ryder Cup colleague Rory McIlroy, the current world number one and reigning Open champion, has said the news is a “shame”.