The BBC have reacted angrily to the news that their bid to regain live coverage of the Ryder Cup has been rejected by the European Tour.

The biennial event is to remain on Sky for the next two matches after a new multi-million pound four-year deal was agreed between the European Tour and Sky.

The contract guarantees Sky exclusive live coverage of the 2001 clash at The Belfry and the 2003 contest at Oakland Hills in Detroit.

A BBC spokesman said: "The BBC made a very competitive and imaginative bid for the Ryder Cup package - one which more than matched BSkyB's. We do not believe that the PGA can possibly justify this decision, which lets down millions of golf fans."

But Ken Schofield, the Tour's executive director, countered: "The commitment made by Sky Television to golf has been unprecedented and this agreement will not only extend our partnership, but also enhance the continued development of the game throughout Europe and beyond."

Instead, BBC Television will have to be content with the deal they have signed with the Tour to the end of 2003 which gives them increased highlights of the Ryder Cup in addition to continued coverage of the Benson and Hedges International Open, Volvo PGA championship, Standard Life Loch Lomond and Cisco World Match Play championship.