Every April, it usually only takes about an hour of Colin Montgomerie's commentary on Sky Sports for golf fans to ask in exasperation: is the Masters on the BBC?
While the velvet tones of Ewan Murray are enjoyable, and the way Butch Harmon looks down the camera is strange enough to be passably interesting, Monty's ignorant solipsism, bad jokes and sheer 'yer da-ness' usually has golf viewers fumbling for the remote. Sky have the exclusive rights to the Open, US Open and the USPGA, meaning that viewers have no option but to put up with the inane ramblings man American golf fans have nicknamed Mrs. Doubtfire.
The Masters, however, often offers a sweet relief, as proceedings from Augusta are usually carried live by the BBC. But after they lost the rights to the Open, many fans will be forgiven for wondering is the Masters on the BBC.
If you are in that camp, we have some good news. Read on, in handy Q&A style, beginning with the big one:
Is the Masters on the BBC?
YES. We are happy to report that the Beeb will be offering some alternative coverage again for 2017.
Are they showing the entire competition live?
Unfortunately not. The Beeb are showing the final two days live, but days one and two will be shown via highlights only.
What time are the highlights at?
This is an odd one. Hour-long highlights of Thursday's action will be shown on Friday at 6.30pm on BBC Two. Highlights of Friday's action will the be shown at 1pm on Saturday, also on BBC Two.
What time does the live coverage kick off at?
Live coverage on Saturday begins at 7.30pm on BBC Two. The live coverage of the final day kicks off at the earlier time of 6.30pm, also on BBC Two.
Is there any additional coverage behind the magical red button?
You can access the highlights slightly earlier behind the red button. Highlights of Thursday's action will appear from 9.15am on Friday morning, while the action from Friday will be available to watch from 9.30am on Saturday morning. There will also be "extra coverage" behind the red button ahead of the live broadcasts on the weekend.
Will there be ads?
Nope, the BBC are promising "live and uninterrupted coverage" of the final two days.
Who is fronting the coverage?
Once again, the BBC's coverage will be hosted by the excellent Hazel Irvine. This will be Irvine's final year as the face of the Beeb's golf coverage, after 30 years in the job. She will be replaced by Eilidh Barbour in May. She will be joined by a couple of the old favourites: commentator Peter Alliss is back for another year, as is Ken 'on the course' Brown. Paul Azinger and Andrew Cotter will be involved, too.
Is there any radio coverage?
Yep, Radio 5 Live will be live too. There is live coverage between 9 and 10pm on Thursday; live updates at the same time the following day, before live coverage on 5 Live Extra between 10pm and 1am. There s live coverage across the weekend: 9pm to 1am on Saturday, and 8pm to 1am on Sunday.
Mark Chapman will the main presenter of the radio coverage.
Any other coverage?
There is a preview show on BBC Two at 11.15pm on Wednesday and a review of last year's tournament on BBC Two at 1.45 pm on Tuesday.
See Also: Watch: Extraordinary Scenes As LPGA Golfer Loses Major After Email From TV Viewer
So a reminder that the answer to your 'is the Masters on the BBC?' question is a hearty yes. But do keep an eye on Balls.ie over the weekend: we'll be right across the tournament all weekend.
