Sports betting service and content hub, IMG Arena, has acquired the sports betting distributions rights to its first golf major, the PGA Championship, through the championship’s organiser and rights holder, the PGA of America.

As part of the collaboration, IMG Arena will distribute data and live streaming of two par-3 holes (based on market availability), via its Golf Event Centre.

Data from the Championship will be collected by ShotLink, the PGA Tour’s scoring system, which utilises a network of walking scorers, lasers and greenside cameras.

Speaking on the announcement, PGA of America CEO, Seth Waugh, said this is a great opportunity to grow the game.

“This partnership will allow fans to engage with one of our flagship events, the PGA Championship, in ways they’ve never been able to before,” Waugh said.

“This is truly a new avenue to reach beyond dedicated golf fans and grow interest in the game from a more diverse fan base.

“We’re excited for what this opportunity will bring now and, in the future, especially when the PGA Championship is hosted in states where sports betting is permitted,” he said.

SVP commercial of IMG Arena, Max Wright, said: “Golf majors are among the most prestigious events across all sports, so we are very excited to secure this partnership with the PGA of America.”

“The PGA Championship has a reputation for producing dramatic and thrilling moments, making it a perfect addition to the Golf Event Centre for sports bettors to enjoy through our global operator partners,” Wright said.