Hazel Irvine to quit BBC Golf

Hazel Irvine will front the BBC's coverage of the Masters for the final time in April 2017.

Irvine has presentation golf at the BBC for 25 years and been the lead anchor since 2009.

She will continue to present snooker and major events for BBC Sport, but Eilidh Barbour will take over as the BBC's golf TV presenter, starting with the BMW PGA Championship.

Hazel said of her decision to leave: "I was pleased to be offered another longterm contract with BBC Sport to continue presenting snooker, golf and major events. 

"However, after much thought, I have decided that in what is my 30th year in broadcast sport, I want to realign my on–air commitments around the changing needs of my family.

"I have loved working with my brilliant friends and colleagues on the BBC golf team and look forward to being in Augusta to see Danny Willett defend his title and to savouring the unique atmosphere of the Masters one more time.

"I am delighted that a fellow Scot, Eilidh Barbour, will be given this chance. I'm sure that she will enjoy it as much as I have."

Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport said: "It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Hazel having been the familiar face of the sport for 25 years. 

"However, we respect her decision and look forward to her continuing to front our snooker and major events coverage for many more years to come."

Related:

BBC extend Masters TV rights