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Where and How to Watch The Open Championship

ByMichael Reeves

← Major Golf Events & Tournaments | Tickets & Event Information


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Quick Answer

  • Catch live action on NBC and Golf Channel.
  • Stream online via Peacock or the NBC Sports app.
  • Always check the official schedule for precise times.

Who This is For

  • Anyone who wants to follow the oldest major in golf.
  • Fans needing the rundown on where to tune in.

What to Check First for Watching The Open Championship

  • Your TV Package: Does it include NBC and Golf Channel? Double-check before tee time.
  • Internet Speed: Crucial for smooth streaming. A weak signal is a buzzkill.
  • Official Schedule: The Open’s website is your best friend for exact broadcast windows. Don’t guess.
  • Streaming Subscriptions: Make sure Peacock or your NBC Sports app login is ready to go.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Watch The Open Championship

1. Identify Broadcast Channels: Check the schedules for NBC and Golf Channel. What to look for: Confirm they’re in your TV package. Mistake to avoid: Assuming you’re covered without checking. You don’t want to miss a clutch putt because of a billing error.

2. Access Streaming Platforms: Fire up Peacock or the NBC Sports app. What to look for: A valid login and active subscription. Mistake to avoid: Waiting until the broadcast starts to realize your password is wrong or your subscription lapsed. I learned that the hard way trying to catch a Ryder Cup match once.

3. Consult the Official Schedule: Hit up TheOpen.com. What to look for: Specific tee times and when coverage officially kicks off each day. Mistake to avoid: Relying on generic start times. The nuances of the schedule matter for catching the early movers.

4. Set Up Your Viewing Area: Get your TV or streaming device ready. What to look for: A comfortable spot with a good view. Mistake to avoid: Scrambling for the remote or dealing with a buffering screen right as the action heats up.

5. Tune In Early: Don’t wait for the final groups. What to look for: Pre-game analysis and the early tee shots. Mistake to avoid: Tuning in late and missing a player making an early charge up the leaderboard.

How to Watch The Open Championship on TV

This section dives deeper into getting your television setup dialed in. When you’re looking at how to watch The Open Championship, your primary TV channels are NBC and Golf Channel. These networks have historically provided the most comprehensive coverage of golf’s oldest major. NBC typically handles the weekend rounds and prime-time viewing, while Golf Channel is your go-to for early-round action, featured groups, and in-depth analysis. It’s crucial to know your local broadcast times, as The Open is held in the UK, meaning early mornings for US viewers.

  • Mistake: Assuming your existing TV package includes Golf Channel.
  • Why it matters: Golf Channel often carries extensive early-round coverage and features not always shown on NBC. Missing it means missing key moments, like a rising star making a surprising early move or a seasoned veteran finding their stride on links golf. The sheer volume of golf shown on Golf Channel is unparalleled, and its absence from your package means a significant chunk of the tournament narrative will be lost.
  • Fix: Review your cable or satellite subscription details online or call your provider. You might need an upgrade to a sports tier or a specific package that includes Golf Channel. Don’t wait until Thursday morning to find out you’re missing the opening tee shots from St. Andrews or Royal Liverpool. It’s a quick call that saves a lot of frustration.
  • Mistake: Not checking the official schedule for tee times.
  • Why it matters: Broadcast windows can shift, and relying on memory or general knowledge can lead you to watch at the wrong time. The Open’s schedule is meticulously planned, with specific tee times for hundreds of players across multiple days. Missing a key group because you tuned in an hour too late is a classic blunder. Think about it: you might miss a golfer who is known for their fast starts or a player who thrives in the early, potentially tougher, morning conditions.
  • Fix: Bookmark TheOpen.com and check it daily for the most accurate broadcast start times and featured groups. This website is the definitive source. They’ll also often list the specific holes that will be featured, giving you a heads-up on where the action might be concentrated.
  • Mistake: Relying on a weak internet connection for streaming.
  • Why it matters: Buffering or dropped streams during crucial shots are frustrating and ruin the experience. Imagine watching a golfer line up a critical putt on the 18th, only for your screen to freeze. That’s a mood killer, plain and simple. For a tournament as storied as The Open, you want crystal clear, uninterrupted viewing.
  • Fix: Test your Wi-Fi speed before the tournament starts. If it’s sluggish, consider a wired Ethernet connection or moving closer to your router. Many streaming services offer HD quality, which requires a solid connection. You can run a speed test using various free online tools. If your speed is consistently below what’s recommended for HD streaming (usually around 5-10 Mbps), it’s time to troubleshoot your network.
  • Mistake: Forgetting about time zone differences.
  • Why it matters: The Open is held in the UK, meaning early mornings for US viewers. Miscalculating can mean missing live action. For example, if coverage starts at 6 AM BST (British Summer Time), that’s 1 AM Eastern Time. You might be thinking you have plenty of time to sleep in, only to wake up to final scores.
  • Fix: Always note the broadcast times in your local US time zone. The official schedule usually provides this, but it’s good practice to convert it yourself to be sure. Many golf websites and apps will also display times in your local zone, which is super helpful.

Streaming The Open Championship Online

For those who are always on the go or prefer the flexibility of digital viewing, understanding how to watch The Open Championship online is key. The primary avenues for streaming are Peacock and the NBC Sports app. Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, typically offers extensive live coverage, often including early rounds and featured groups that might not make it to the main NBC broadcast. The NBC Sports app requires you to authenticate with your cable or satellite TV provider login, giving you access to the live feeds of NBC and Golf Channel as they broadcast. This makes it a fantastic option if you already have the necessary TV subscriptions.

  • Mistake: Not having the correct login credentials for the NBC Sports app.
  • Why it matters: You might have a valid TV package, but if you don’t have your online login details handy, you’ll be locked out of the stream. This is a common oversight, especially if you haven’t used your provider’s streaming app in a while.
  • Fix: Visit your TV provider’s website and ensure you have an active online account. Set a reminder to retrieve or reset your password a few days before the tournament begins. It’s much better to do this when you’re not stressed about missing a crucial shot.
  • Mistake: Underestimating data usage for streaming.
  • Why it matters: If you’re relying on a mobile hotspot or a limited data plan, streaming hours of golf can quickly eat up your allowance. This is especially true for HD streams, which are data-intensive.
  • Fix: Check your data plan limits. If you’re concerned, opt for lower streaming quality settings if available, or ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi. For extended viewing, a stable home Wi-Fi connection is always the best bet.
  • Mistake: Assuming all coverage is available on all streaming tiers.
  • Why it matters: Streaming services like Peacock often have different subscription tiers. The most comprehensive live coverage might be reserved for a premium tier, leaving basic subscribers with limited options.
  • Fix: Review the subscription details for Peacock or any other streaming service you plan to use. Make sure the tier you select explicitly includes live coverage of The Open Championship. It’s worth the few extra bucks a month to avoid disappointment.
  • Mistake: Not checking device compatibility for streaming apps.
  • Why it matters: You might have the right subscription, but if your smart TV, streaming stick, or tablet doesn’t support the app, you’re out of luck.
  • Fix: Before the tournament, download the Peacock or NBC Sports app on the devices you intend to use. Test it out with some other content to ensure it’s working correctly and that you can easily navigate it.

FAQ

  • What are the main television channels broadcasting The Open Championship?

NBC and Golf Channel are the primary broadcast partners in the US, offering comprehensive live coverage throughout the tournament.

  • Can I stream The Open Championship online?

Yes, you can stream the tournament online through various platforms.

  • Which streaming services offer live coverage of The Open Championship?

Peacock and the NBC Sports app are your go-to streaming options for live coverage of The Open Championship.

  • Do I need a cable login to stream The Open Championship?

For the NBC Sports app, you’ll typically need to log in with credentials from your cable or satellite provider. Peacock offers different tiers, with some content potentially available without a traditional TV login, but premium live sports coverage usually requires a subscription.

  • Is The Open Championship free to watch?

Coverage is not free. You’ll need a TV package that includes NBC and Golf Channel, or a subscription to a streaming service like Peacock. The cost varies depending on your chosen method.

  • Where can I find the most accurate broadcast schedule?

The official tournament website, TheOpen.com, is the definitive source for all broadcast times and schedules, including specific tee times and coverage windows for each day.

  • What time does The Open Championship coverage typically start in the US?

Due to the time difference with the UK, coverage often begins very early in the morning for US viewers, sometimes as early as 1 AM ET or 4 AM PT, especially for the early rounds. Always check the official schedule for your local time.

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