THE OPEN, golf's oldest championship will disappear from free-to-air TV after 61 years despite a series of high profile objectors headed by Rory McIlroy.

Golf's governing body the Royal & Ancient confirmed the annual battle for the coveted Claret jug had been lost to terrestrial television, with Sky Sports awarded an exclusive contract to show the tournament from 2017.

Opponents are worried that with golf participation in decline, and administrators trying to make the sport more accessible to all, the move will be a backwards step.

The BBC would not compete with an offer from Sky more than double the £7 million a year it is paying under the current deal.

It also made the Open the latest event partially protected for free-to-air coverage to be captured from terrestrial networks for pay-TV.

The list of sporting events protected for live free-to-air broadcast in Britain includes Olympics and Paralympics, the World Cup, European championships and the FA Cup final in football, the Grand National, the Derby, Wimbledon singles finals, the rugby league Challenge Cup final and the Rugby World Cup final.

Labour said last week that The Open could be added to the list of events protected for terrestrial broadcast if Labour wins the next election.

Rory McIlroy, golf's world No.1 who defends his Open championship title at St Andrews this summer said when the idea was mooted : "I guess it's just the way it's going. Money talks, you know.

"It's a shame The Open is not going to be on terrestrial television.

"Sky is expensive and a lot of people can't afford it. It would have been nice if they could have come to some sort of resolution."

Former world No. 1 Lee Westwood has also objected to the move saying: "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, you have to question it when the number of golfers in Britain is dwindling.

"I can't believe The Open isn't protected as one of the crown jewels, that is an absolute disgrace."

Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell added: "We are all very aware of the falling numbers. And how dangerously on the precipice we are, regarding where the game needs to go in terms of attracting women and children.

"The Olympics should hopefully help that, bringing the sport to so many television homes. But you can see Westy's point, and I do sympathise with the British viewer."

Politicians also waded in.

Former Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott said golf's pursuit of higher revenues could lead to the games administration leaving the home of golf at St Andrews.

He was tabling questions in Parliament asking what the Scottish Government is doing to keep the Open on terrestrial TV.

He said the switch to pay TV is a retrograde step and may herald other changes that are not good for Scottish golf.

Estimates say that last year's Ryder Cup at Gleneagles was worth £100m to the Scottish economy. The Open, to be played this July at St Andrews, brings tens of millions into the local economy.

Mr Scott said: "Giving the game to satellite television reduces the number of people who will see the essential sporting drama of an Open Championship.

"But such a move could herald wider changes.

"Some years back cricket was based at the home of cricket - Lords Cricket ground in London. But the money men got a hold of the game. Now international cricket is run from Dubai.

"Scotland and St Andrews are the home of golf. The world game started in Scotland and our golf courses are internationally renowned. We market Scotland on the strength of golf."

Peter Dawson, the chief executive of The R&A, said: "We believe this is the best result for The Open and for golf. The way people consume live sport is changing significantly and this new agreement ensures fans have a range of options for enjoying the Championship on television and through digital channels.

"Sky Sports has an excellent track record in covering golf across its platforms and has become the home of live golf coverage over recent years. We are very much looking forward to working with them to develop and enhance the coverage of The Open."

And Sky said the money spent on the rights will allow the R&A to "make a ground-breaking investment in grassroots golf, and work with Sky Sports to excite and engage viewers through the innovative coverage."