Alex Salmond says golf fans are feeling ‘pit oot’ by BBC coverage of The Open

Former First Minister Alex Salmond has welcomed the decision to switch TV footage of The Open from the BBC to Sky.

Writing in his exclusive column for The Courier, the keen golf fan said his enjoyment of the weekend action was ruined by the corporation’s coverage.

He spoke of his frustration that the BBC allotted so much time to failing Tiger Woods while Scottish hero Paul Lawrie was making a run at the Claret Jug on Friday night before switching the competition to BBC4 for its final two hours’ play.

He said: “No doubt the Beeb producers think that no one notices. They are wrong.

“Golf fans do and we are really pit oot not to see our heroes put out in real time.

“So after next year Sky are due to rule the Open airways.

“They don’t have a particularly difficult act to follow but if they are wise they will push the boat right out.”

Also in his column, Mr Salmond reveals gives his thoughts on the Queen’s “Nazi salute” controversy and reveals why he is backing Jeremy Corbyn in the Labour leadership race.

Read more from Alex Salmond’s exclusive column in Monday’s Courier.