Portrush, Northern Ireland: The Open has joined GOLFTV’s portfolio and will be presented to fans on the streaming service’s offering across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan this week.

The multi-year agreement starts at the 148th Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland where Italian Francesco Molinari is bidding to become the Champion Golfer of the Year for the second year in succession.

Starting this year, fans will enjoy live coverage of The Open on GOLFTV in at least 19 markets across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan.

In addition, GOLFTV will offer fans extensive on-demand archive programming and content in a broader range of international markets, including at least three series of the Chronicles of a Champion Golfer.

Throughout Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, GOLFTV will also present live coverage of The Amateur Championships, the Walker Cup, contested biennially by leading amateur golfers from Great Britain and Ireland and the United States, as well as The Senior Open Championship.

Alex Kaplan, President and General Manager, Discovery Golf and GOLFTV, said: “It is a huge privilege for Discovery to welcome the world’s most historic golf Championship to GOLFTV. The Open is loved by golf fans everywhere and we are excited by the opportunity to present live coverage across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as compelling on-demand content available in many more international GOLFTV markets.”

Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, said: “Millions of golf fans in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan will now be able to enjoy the drama and excitement of The Open as it makes its historic return to Royal Portrush this week, thanks to our new partnership with GOLFTV.

“We look forward to working with GOLFTV to deliver world class coverage of our professional and amateur championships throughout the region in the years to come.”

Molinari, exclusive GOLFTV Global Content Partner, said: “Becoming the Champion Golfer of the Year was the fulfilment of my boyhood dream. To know your name will be on the Claret Jug forever is truly special, even if I have to hand it back before we tee off this year!

“I’ve been thrilled by fans’ reaction to the content we’ve shared so far this year, so I’m particularly excited that The Open is coming to GOLFTV. I can’t wait to share more of my insights, reactions and opinions at Royal Portrush and as the season continues.”