Hazel Irvine, BBC's queen of golf, to step aside
THE BBC has announced Hazel Irvine will front coverage of The Masters golf tournament for the final time this year.
Hazel Irvine has been a key figure in BBC's golf team for 25 years
The Scots star has been a key figure in the Beeb’s golf team for 25 years and the lead anchor of the sport since 2009.
But the 51-year-old, whose expertise has made her anchor for events around the world including the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, is now anxious to spend more time with her family.
Hazel will fly out to America for the famous event – staged at the Augusta National Club in Georgia – early next week ahead of its start a week today.
She has been the lead anchor of golf since 2009
I was pleased to be offered another long-term contract with BBC Sport to continue presenting snooker, golf and major events
Speaking yesterday about her decision she said: “I was pleased to be offered another long-term 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.”
Hazel wants to spend more time with her family
St Andrews-born Hazel added: “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.”
Eilidh Barbour, from Dunkeld, Perthshire, will take over as the BBC’s golf presenter, starting with the BMW PGA Championship in May.
She will front coverage of The Masters golf tournament for the final time
“I am delighted that a fellow Scot, Eilidh Barbour, will be given this chance,” said Hazel, who will continue hosting other major events including April’s World Snooker Championship. “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, who has 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.”