"Without saying too much, we are pleased with the progress we're making."

I know it's ESPN and this is pocket change, but I continue to be astounded by the dollar figure being reported as a possible Open Championship rights fee, noted in this case by Mike Aitken:

An imminent new American TV deal, thought to be worth around $25 million a year, will aid the Royal and Ancient, the organisers of the Open, in a bid to keep admission costs down for spectators at the only major championship held outside the US.

After confirming yesterday that ticket prices for the 2009 Open at Turnberry, as well as prices on site for catering and merchandise, will be kept at the same level as this year's championship at Birkdale, David Hill, the R&A's director of championships, revealed the organisation is close to clinching a new agreement for TV rights in the USA.

"At least 60 per cent of our income comes from television revenues," he explained. "All our key contracts are in place. As we speak we are re-negotiating in America. Without saying too much, we are pleased with the progress we're making."