SKY SPORTS has secured broadcast rights of the US PGA Tour for the next eight years, after broadcaster Setanta’s British arm went into administration.

SHANE LOWRY is aiming high. The Irish Open champion announced his decision to turn professional yesterday and has already targeted a place in the elite field for the inaugural $10m Dubai World Championship in November.

Anybody wanting either to join the European Tour or to stay a member of it is going to have to plan their schedule a lot more carefully next season.