The Open, also known as the British Open, is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. As the oldest of the four major championships, it attracts millions of viewers globally. If you’re eager to catch the action live on TV, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to watch The Open on TV, including broadcast schedules, streaming options, and more.
Understanding The Open Broadcast Rights
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of watching The Open on TV, it’s essential to understand the broadcast rights. The R&A, the governing body of The Open, has partnered with various broadcasters around the world to bring the tournament to a global audience. In the United States, NBC Sports and Golf Channel have the exclusive broadcast rights, while in the United Kingdom, the BBC and Sky Sports share the rights.
Broadcast Schedules
The Open broadcast schedule typically includes live coverage of all four rounds, as well as pre-tournament and post-tournament analysis. Here’s a general outline of what you can expect:
- Thursday and Friday: Live coverage of the first and second rounds, usually starting around 1:30 AM ET (6:30 AM BST)
- Saturday and Sunday: Live coverage of the third and fourth rounds, usually starting around 5:00 AM ET (10:00 AM BST)
- Pre-tournament coverage: Typically includes practice rounds, press conferences, and analysis, starting a few days before the tournament
- Post-tournament coverage: Includes highlights, analysis, and interviews, usually airing after the final round
Watching The Open on Traditional TV
If you have a traditional TV setup, you can watch The Open on the following channels:
- NBC Sports (United States)
- Golf Channel (United States)
- BBC (United Kingdom)
- Sky Sports (United Kingdom)
Make sure to check your local listings for the exact broadcast schedule and channel numbers.
Cable and Satellite TV Providers
If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch The Open on the channels mentioned above. Here are some popular providers that carry NBC Sports, Golf Channel, BBC, and Sky Sports:
- Comcast Xfinity (NBC Sports, Golf Channel)
- DirecTV (NBC Sports, Golf Channel)
- DISH Network (NBC Sports, Golf Channel)
- Sky (Sky Sports)
- Virgin Media (Sky Sports)
Streaming The Open Online
If you don’t have a traditional TV setup or prefer to watch The Open online, there are several streaming options available:
- NBC Sports App: Available on iOS, Android, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast
- Golf Channel App: Available on iOS, Android, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast
- The Open App: Available on iOS and Android, offering live coverage, highlights, and analysis
- Peacock: NBCUniversal’s streaming service, offering live coverage and on-demand content
- Now TV: A streaming service from Sky, offering live coverage and on-demand content
Subscription-Based Streaming Services
If you don’t have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can still watch The Open on streaming services that offer NBC Sports, Golf Channel, or Sky Sports:
- Sling TV: Offers NBC Sports and Golf Channel as part of its Sling Blue package
- YouTube TV: Offers NBC Sports and Golf Channel as part of its base package
- Hulu with Live TV: Offers NBC Sports and Golf Channel as part of its base package
- AT&T TV Now: Offers NBC Sports and Golf Channel as part of its Plus package
International Broadcasters
If you’re outside the United States or United Kingdom, you can watch The Open on the following international broadcasters:
- Australia: Fox Sports
- Canada: TSN and RDS
- Europe: Sky Sports (various countries)
- Asia: Fox Sports (various countries)
Global Broadcast Schedule
The Open broadcast schedule varies by country and region. Here’s a rough outline of the global broadcast schedule:
| Region | Broadcaster | Live Coverage |
| — | — | — |
| United States | NBC Sports, Golf Channel | Thursday-Sunday, 1:30 AM ET (6:30 AM BST) |
| United Kingdom | BBC, Sky Sports | Thursday-Sunday, 6:30 AM BST (1:30 AM ET) |
| Australia | Fox Sports | Thursday-Sunday, 8:30 PM AEST (10:30 AM BST) |
| Canada | TSN, RDS | Thursday-Sunday, 1:30 AM ET (6:30 AM BST) |
Watching The Open on Mobile Devices
If you’re on-the-go, you can watch The Open on your mobile device using the following apps:
- NBC Sports App: Available on iOS and Android
- Golf Channel App: Available on iOS and Android
- The Open App: Available on iOS and Android
- Peacock: Available on iOS and Android
Mobile Streaming Options
If you don’t have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can still watch The Open on mobile devices using streaming services that offer NBC Sports, Golf Channel, or Sky Sports:
- Sling TV: Offers NBC Sports and Golf Channel as part of its Sling Blue package
- YouTube TV: Offers NBC Sports and Golf Channel as part of its base package
- Hulu with Live TV: Offers NBC Sports and Golf Channel as part of its base package
- AT&T TV Now: Offers NBC Sports and Golf Channel as part of its Plus package
Conclusion
Watching The Open on TV is easier than ever, with a range of broadcast and streaming options available. Whether you have a traditional TV setup or prefer to watch online, you can catch all the action from the comfort of your own home. Make sure to check the broadcast schedule and streaming options in your region to ensure you don’t miss a single shot.
What is The Open and why is it a significant golf tournament?
The Open, also known as the Open Championship, is one of the four major golf championships in the world. It is the oldest of the four majors, with the first tournament held in 1860. The Open is a significant golf tournament because it attracts the best golfers from around the world and is considered one of the most prestigious titles in golf.
The Open is also significant because it is the only major golf championship held outside of the United States. The tournament is held annually in the United Kingdom, with the venue rotating between various courses in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. The Open is known for its challenging courses, unpredictable weather conditions, and rich history, making it a must-watch event for golf fans.
How can I watch The Open on TV?
There are several ways to watch The Open on TV, depending on your location and the broadcast rights in your area. In the United States, The Open is broadcast on NBC and the Golf Channel. In the United Kingdom, the tournament is broadcast on Sky Sports. In other countries, the broadcast rights may vary, so it’s best to check with your local TV provider to see if they will be showing The Open.
If you don’t have access to traditional TV, you can also stream The Open online through various platforms. The official website of The Open and the Golf Channel website offer live streaming of the tournament. Additionally, many online streaming services, such as Hulu and Sling TV, offer live TV streaming, including sports channels that broadcast The Open.
What is the schedule for The Open?
The schedule for The Open typically runs from Thursday to Sunday, with the first round starting on Thursday morning. The tournament is played over four days, with the final round taking place on Sunday. The exact schedule may vary depending on the venue and the weather conditions.
The Open typically starts early in the morning, with the first groups teeing off around 6:30 am local time. The TV broadcast usually starts around 7:00 am, with coverage continuing throughout the day. The schedule may be adjusted if there are weather delays or other disruptions, so it’s best to check the official website of The Open or your local TV provider for the latest information.
Who are some of the top golfers to watch at The Open?
The Open attracts the best golfers from around the world, so there are many top players to watch. Some of the top golfers who regularly compete at The Open include Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson. Other notable golfers who have had success at The Open include Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, and Henrik Stenson.
In addition to these established stars, there are also many up-and-coming golfers who could make a name for themselves at The Open. Keep an eye out for young players like Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, and Matthew Wolff, who have already shown promise in their careers. The Open is also a great opportunity for lesser-known golfers to make a breakthrough, so be sure to watch out for any surprises.
What are some of the most famous courses that host The Open?
The Open is hosted by some of the most famous golf courses in the world. Some of the most iconic courses that have hosted The Open include St Andrews Old Course in Scotland, Royal Birkdale in England, and Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Other notable courses that have hosted The Open include Muirfield, Carnoustie, and Turnberry.
These courses are known for their challenging layouts, tricky greens, and unpredictable weather conditions. The Open is often played on links courses, which are characterized by their coastal locations, sandy soil, and tall grasses. The courses that host The Open are always carefully selected to provide a challenging test for the world’s best golfers.
How can I get tickets to attend The Open in person?
Tickets to attend The Open in person are highly sought after, but there are several ways to get them. The official website of The Open offers ticket sales, with prices varying depending on the day and the location. You can also purchase tickets through authorized ticket sellers, such as Ticketmaster.
In addition to buying tickets, you can also enter a ballot to win tickets to The Open. The ballot is usually held several months before the tournament, and winners are selected at random. Be sure to follow the official website of The Open for the latest information on ticket sales and the ballot.
What are some of the traditions and customs of The Open?
The Open has many traditions and customs that are an integral part of the tournament. One of the most famous traditions is the awarding of the Claret Jug to the winner, which is one of the most iconic trophies in golf. The Open is also known for its formal dress code, with players and officials expected to wear traditional golf attire.
Another tradition of The Open is the singing of the national anthems of the players before the start of the tournament. The Open is also known for its respectful and knowledgeable crowds, who are expected to follow the rules of etiquette and behave in a sporting manner. The Open is a celebration of golf and its traditions, and it’s an event that is steeped in history and heritage.