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How to Watch The British Open: Step-by-Step Guide

ByThe Golfer

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Quick Answer

  • Access live coverage and replays of The Open Championship through official broadcasters and streaming services specific to your region.
  • Verify your subscription or purchase necessary packages for your chosen viewing platform well in advance of tee time.
  • Consult the official tournament website for the most up-to-date broadcast schedules, including specific tee times and coverage windows for each day.

Who This Is For

  • Golf enthusiasts eager to follow the action, drama, and history unfolding at The Open Championship, no matter where they are.
  • Individuals seeking a straightforward, practical guide to navigating the various broadcasting options and ensuring they don’t miss a single moment of the championship.

What to Check First for British Open Viewing

  • Confirm Your Internet Connection: For streaming, a stable and fast internet connection is non-negotiable. Run a speed test if you’re unsure. Nobody wants buffering during a crucial putt.
  • Verify Geographic Broadcast Rights: This is a big one. Coverage rights vary significantly by country. Make sure the broadcaster you’re looking at actually has the rights to show The Open in your specific location. I once assumed I could watch it on a certain channel, only to find out it wasn’t available where I was. Big bummer.
  • Check the Official Tournament Website: The Open Championship’s official website is your golden ticket for the most accurate and up-to-date schedule. This includes practice rounds, featured groups, and the main competition broadcast times. Don’t rely on third-party sites that might have outdated info.
  • Review Your Subscription Details: Whether it’s cable, satellite, or a streaming service, double-check that your current subscription includes the specific channels broadcasting The Open. Often, you’ll need a sports package or a premium tier.
  • Note Down Key Times: Once you’ve confirmed the schedule, jot down the start times for each day’s coverage in your local time zone. This prevents those bleary-eyed, “Is it really that early?” moments.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Watch the British Open

1. Identify the Official Broadcasters for The Open: Start by pinpointing who has the broadcast rights in your region. In the United States, this typically means NBC and the GOLF Channel. In the United Kingdom, it’s usually Sky Sports. For other countries, you’ll need to check the official tournament website.

  • Action: Visit TheOpen.com or the R&A’s official channels.
  • What to look for: A clear listing of broadcast partners for your country.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming that because a network broadcasts golf generally, it will automatically broadcast The Open in your region. Always verify.

2. Determine Your Preferred Viewing Method: Decide whether you’ll be watching via traditional cable or satellite TV, or if you’ll be using an internet-based streaming service. Each has its pros and cons regarding cost, flexibility, and channel availability.

  • Action: Consider your current subscriptions and budget.
  • What to look for: Which method offers the most convenient access to the identified official broadcasters.
  • Mistake to avoid: Committing to a method without confirming it actually carries the specific channels broadcasting The Open.

3. Confirm Streaming Service Inclusion (If Applicable): If you’re opting for a streaming service like Peacock (for NBC content in the US), NOW TV (for Sky Sports in the UK), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV, you must verify that the specific package you choose includes the necessary channels.

  • Action: Navigate to the streaming service’s website and check their channel lineups.
  • What to look for: Explicit mention of NBC, GOLF Channel, Sky Sports, or any other relevant sports network in their live TV offerings.
  • Mistake to avoid: Signing up for a basic streaming plan that might not include the premium sports channels needed for full tournament coverage.

4. Check the Official Broadcast Schedule and Tee Times: This is crucial for planning. The Open Championship is broadcast across multiple days, and tee times can vary significantly.

  • Action: Go to TheOpen.com and find the “Watch” or “Schedule” section.
  • What to look for: Daily start times for live coverage, featured groups, and any pre-tournament shows. Pay attention to the time zone listed.
  • Mistake to avoid: Missing the early morning starts. The action often kicks off very early in the morning, U.S. Eastern Time, especially on Thursday and Friday.

5. Set Up Your Viewing Device and Accounts: Ensure your television, computer, tablet, or smartphone is ready to go. Log into your streaming service accounts or have your cable/satellite remote within reach.

  • Action: Test your streaming service login on the device you plan to use.
  • What to look for: A successful login and the ability to navigate to the correct channel or stream.
  • Mistake to avoid: Waiting until the last minute to log in and discovering password issues or needing to download an app.

6. Tune In and Enjoy the Championship: Once everything is set, find the correct channel or stream and settle in to watch the world’s best golfers compete for the Claret Jug.

  • Action: Select the channel or stream showing The Open.
  • What to look for: The opening sequence, the first tee shot, or your favorite player’s group.
  • Mistake to avoid: Getting sidetracked by notifications or other distractions. This is a major championship; give it your attention!

How to Watch the British Open: Navigating Your Options

Understanding your viewing options is key to enjoying The Open Championship without frustration. Broadcast rights are complex, and what’s available in one country might be entirely different elsewhere. This section breaks down the common ways people access the tournament.

Traditional Broadcasts (Cable/Satellite):

For many, the simplest way to watch is through their existing cable or satellite subscription. In the U.S., NBC and the GOLF Channel are the primary outlets. If you have a comprehensive sports package, you’re likely covered. However, it’s always wise to double-check your specific channel lineup. If you’re in the UK, Sky Sports is your go-to. Other countries will have their designated broadcasters, which you can find on TheOpen.com. The advantage here is reliability and ease of use if you’re already set up. The downside can be the cost of premium sports tiers and less flexibility than streaming.

Live TV Streaming Services:

These services have become incredibly popular and offer a flexible alternative to traditional TV. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV (in the US) often include NBC and the GOLF Channel, making them excellent options for watching The Open. Similarly, NOW TV in the UK provides access to Sky Sports channels.

  • What to look for: Ensure the service explicitly lists the required channels (NBC, GOLF Channel, Sky Sports, etc.) in their base package or an affordable add-on.
  • Action: Visit the website of the streaming service you’re considering. Look for their channel lineups and compare them against the official broadcasters for The Open. Many offer free trials, which can be a great way to test the waters before committing.
  • Mistake to avoid: Signing up for a streaming service that seems like it has sports but doesn’t carry the specific channels broadcasting The Open. Always confirm the channel list.

Official Broadcaster Streaming Platforms:

Sometimes, official broadcasters offer their own direct streaming platforms. For example, in the US, Peacock streams content from NBC, which includes The Open. In the UK, Sky Sports has its own streaming app. These can be a direct and often high-quality way to watch.

  • What to look for: Does the broadcaster’s dedicated streaming service (e.g., Peacock, Sky Go) offer live coverage of the tournament?
  • Action: Check the specific platform’s offerings. Sometimes, you might need a specific subscription tier even within the broadcaster’s own service.
  • Mistake to avoid: Confusing a general sports news app with a live streaming service. You need a platform that provides live broadcast feeds.

International Streaming:

If you’re traveling abroad or living outside the primary broadcast regions, finding coverage can be trickier. Some services offer international streaming options, but these can be region-locked. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) might allow you to access streams from your home country, but be aware that many streaming services actively block VPNs, and this can violate their terms of service.

  • What to look for: Official international broadcast partners listed on TheOpen.com.
  • Action: Research official broadcasters in your current location or explore reputable VPN services if you’re trying to access a stream from your home country.
  • Mistake to avoid: Relying on unofficial or illegal streams, which are often low quality, unreliable, and can carry security risks.

Common Mistakes: British Open Viewing

  • Assuming Standard Cable/Satellite Includes All Coverage — Why it matters: Major golf championships often require specific sports packages or premium channel add-ons that aren’t part of basic tiers. You might find you’re missing key coverage. — Fix: Review your current cable or satellite subscription details carefully or call your provider to confirm which sports channels are included and if any additional packages are needed for The Open.
  • Not Checking Regional Broadcast Rights — Why it matters: Broadcast rights are territorial. What’s available on NBC in the U.S. might be on a completely different network, or not available at all, in another country. — Fix: Always consult the official tournament website (TheOpen.com) for a definitive list of broadcast partners in your specific geographic region.
  • Forgetting About Time Zone Differences — Why it matters: The Open Championship often begins very early in the morning in North America due to its location and the nature of international broadcasts. You could easily miss the start if you don’t account for this. — Fix: Convert the broadcast times listed on the official schedule to your local time zone before the tournament begins. Set alarms if necessary!
  • Relying on Outdated Information — Why it matters: Broadcasters and schedules can change from year to year. What worked last year might not work this year. — Fix: Always refer to the current year’s official schedule and broadcaster information on The Open Championship’s official website.
  • Ignoring Streaming Service Specifics — Why it matters: Many live TV streaming services have different tiers or channel packages. You might subscribe to a plan that doesn’t include the GOLF Channel or NBC, even though the service itself carries them. — Fix: When subscribing to a streaming service, carefully examine the channel lineup to ensure it includes all the necessary channels for The Open coverage. Look for specific sports add-ons if needed.
  • Failing to Test Your Connection/Device — Why it matters: A weak internet connection or a device that’s not properly set up can lead to buffering, poor quality video, or outright failure to stream when the action is happening. — Fix: Test your internet speed and your streaming device well in advance. Ensure you have the correct apps downloaded and logged in. If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection for maximum stability.
  • Missing Practice Rounds and Practice Day Coverage — Why it matters: Many fans enjoy watching the practice rounds and “Opening Day” festivities, which offer a different perspective and often include interviews and course insights. — Fix: Check the official schedule for any practice day coverage. While not always live-streamed extensively, there are often highlight shows or specific segments dedicated to these days.

FAQ

  • Where can I watch The Open Championship live?

Live coverage of The Open Championship is typically available through official broadcasters like NBC and the GOLF Channel in the United States, and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom. International viewers should check TheOpen.com for a list of broadcasters in their specific region. Many of these broadcasters are also accessible via live TV streaming services.

  • Are there free streaming options for The Open?

Generally, live, full-round coverage of The Open Championship is not offered for free. However, broadcasters might provide free trials for their streaming services, which you can use to watch the tournament. You might also find free highlights, condensed versions, or news coverage on platforms like YouTube or the official tournament website.

  • What time does The Open Championship start each day?

Tee times vary daily and are heavily dependent on your local time zone. In the U.S. Eastern Time zone, coverage often begins very early, with the first groups teeing off around 1:30 AM to 2:00 AM ET on Thursday and Friday. Weekend tee times may be slightly later. Always consult the official schedule on TheOpen.com for the precise times in your zone.

  • Can I watch The Open on my phone or tablet?

Yes, absolutely. Most official broadcasters and live TV streaming services offer dedicated mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This allows you to stream The Open live on your smartphone or tablet, provided you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or a good cellular data plan).

  • What happens if I miss live coverage of The Open?

Don’t worry if you can’t catch it live. Most broadcasters and streaming platforms provide on-demand replays or highlight packages shortly after the conclusion of play each day. You can often find full-round replays or condensed highlight shows to catch up on all the key moments and dramatic shots.

  • Do I need a special subscription to watch The Open?

Most likely, yes. Unless you have a very comprehensive cable or satellite package that includes all the necessary sports channels (like NBC, GOLF Channel, or Sky Sports), you will likely need to subscribe to a specific sports tier, a premium sports package, or a live TV streaming service that carries those channels.

  • How can I ensure the best viewing experience for The Open?

To ensure the best experience, check your internet speed if streaming, verify your subscription includes the correct channels, and note down the broadcast times in your local zone. Using a wired internet connection (Ethernet) if possible can also provide a more stable stream than Wi-Fi.

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