2026 Open Championship: Complete TV Schedule & Streaming Guide

The Claret Jug Returns to Birkdale's Dunes

There's something about Royal Birkdale that makes the heart quicken. Perhaps it's the way the morning mist rolls off the Irish Sea and settles into those storied dunes. Perhaps it's the memory of Jordan Spieth scrambling brilliantly from the practice range in 2017, turning certain disaster into improbable triumph. Whatever it is, the 154th Open Championship arrives at this Southport masterpiece July 16-19, and the anticipation is palpable.

This is the final men's major of 2026, the last opportunity for golf's finest to etch their names onto the Claret Jug this season. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler returns seeking to add another chapter to his remarkable story, while Masters champion Rory McIlroy hunts for the prize that has eluded him since that devastating Sunday at Royal Portrush in 2019.

And then there's Tommy Fleetwood—the hometown hero from nearby Southport, still searching for that elusive first major title. Few venues would mean more to him than Birkdale.

How to Watch Every Shot

NBC and USA Network will provide comprehensive television coverage throughout the championship, with broadcasts beginning in the early morning hours to accommodate the time difference from England. For those of us willing to sacrifice sleep for links golf (and honestly, is there any better reason?), here's what you need to know.

Television Schedule (All Times Eastern)

Thursday, July 16: 4 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on USA
Friday, July 17: 4 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on USA
Saturday, July 18: 5-7 a.m. on USA; 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. on NBC
Sunday, July 19: 4-7 a.m. on USA; 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. on NBC

Streaming Options

Peacock subscribers get the full experience, with exclusive early coverage beginning at 1:30 a.m. Eastern on both Thursday and Friday mornings. Featured group coverage runs all day throughout the tournament—perfect for following the marquee pairings as they navigate Birkdale's demanding examination.

Golf Channel Mobile will offer live streams of all USA Network telecasts, while TheOpen.com provides additional stats, scoring, and highlights for those following along at work (we won't tell).

The Stage Is Set

Royal Birkdale has hosted ten previous Open Championships, producing a distinguished roster of champions that includes Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, and Johnny Miller. The course rewards precision and patience in equal measure—two qualities that separate Open champions from the field.

Spieth arrived in Southport early this year to prepare for his quest for a second Birkdale title. That 2017 victory, his third major championship, showcased everything that makes the Open special: creative shotmaking, mental fortitude, and the kind of improbable moments that only links golf can produce.

Whether you're setting an early alarm or catching the weekend coverage in more civilized hours, the 154th Open Championship promises the drama, tradition, and raw beauty that make this the most cherished week on the golfing calendar.

The Takeaway

Clear your schedule July 16-19 and embrace the early wake-up calls. Royal Birkdale in Open Championship conditions is unmissable television, and with NBC, USA, and Peacock providing wall-to-wall coverage, there's no excuse to miss a moment of golf's most atmospheric major. The Claret Jug awaits—and so does one of England's finest links courses.