The 2026 Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, from July 16-19. US viewers will have extensive live coverage across ESPN, NBC, and PGA Tour Live. This guide details the full TV schedule, streaming options, tee times, and key storylines.
2026 Open Championship US TV Schedule: Full Broadcast Times by Round
All times are Eastern (ET). Pacific viewers subtract three hours.
| Round | Date | Network | Live Coverage (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Thu, July 16 | ESPN+ | 1:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Round 1 | Thu, July 16 | ESPN | 5:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Round 2 | Fri, July 17 | ESPN+ | 1:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Round 2 | Fri, July 17 | ESPN | 5:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Round 3 | Sat, July 18 | NBC | 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Round 4 | Sun, July 19 | NBC | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
How to Watch the 2026 Open Championship Live Stream in the US
Streaming is available via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ (subscription required, $10.99/month). Coverage includes featured groups and all four rounds. NBC’s Peacock offers simulcast of NBC windows. FuboTV provides a free trial for new users, carrying both ESPN and NBC. Device compatibility includes iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV.
2026 Open Championship Tee Times and Pairings: Round 1 & 2
Official tee times and pairings for Rounds 1 and 2 will be released on July 14, 2026. Marquee groups typically feature defending champion, world No. 1, and local favorites. The PGA Tour leaderboard at pgatour.com provides real-time updates. Historical data shows Royal Birkdale’s early tee times often favor players avoiding afternoon wind.
Round 3 Saturday Schedule: Tee Times, Pairings, and TV Coverage
Saturday, July 18 is moving day. Tee times run from 3:00 AM to 10:00 AM ET. Featured groups include leaders from Round 2. NBC’s coverage starts at 7:00 AM ET. CBS Sports notes that pairings are based on cumulative score, with leaders teeing off last. Expect a 36-hole cut after Round 2, reducing the field to top 70 and ties.
Final Round Sunday: Championship Sunday TV Guide and Key Storylines
Sunday, July 19. NBC broadcasts live from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET. The trophy ceremony follows immediately after the final putt. Key storylines: weather at Royal Birkdale (average July temps 57°F, with potential coastal fog). Historical context: Royal Birkdale last hosted in 2017, won by Jordan Spieth. Potential winners include 2026 major winners and top-10 ranked players.
2026 Open Championship Highlights and Analysis: What to Watch For
Post-round highlights appear on PGA Tour’s official YouTube channel and ESPN’s SportsCenter. Key challenges at Royal Birkdale: links-style course with deep bunkers, undulating fairways, and prevailing westerly winds. Expert analysis focuses on course management and short-game precision. Live leaderboard updates available via the PGA Tour app.
FAQ: Common Questions About the 2026 Open Championship TV Schedule
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What time zone are broadcast times? | Eastern (ET). Pacific is 3 hours behind. |
| Can I watch replays? | Yes, ESPN+ and Peacock offer on-demand replays post-round. |
| International streaming? | Sky Sports (UK), BBC (UK radio), and local broadcasters in 200+ countries. |
| How to set reminders? | Use PGA Tour app or your TV provider’s schedule feature. |
Plan Your Viewing for the 2026 Open Championship
Bookmark this schedule. Set alarms for early coverage. Share with friends. The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale offers four days of world-class golf, accessible via ESPN, NBC, and PGA Tour Live. Don’t miss the Claret Jug presentation.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What TV channels will broadcast the 2026 Open Championship in the US?
- A: ESPN will broadcast Rounds 1 and 2, while NBC will cover Rounds 3 and 4. All times are Eastern.
- Q: How can I stream the 2026 Open Championship live?
- A: Stream via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ (subscription required, $10.99/month) or NBC’s Peacock for simulcast. FuboTV offers a free trial for new users.
- Q: When are the tee times and pairings released?
- A: Official tee times and pairings for Rounds 1 and 2 will be released on July 14, 2026.
Extended Reading
For real-time leaderboard and highlights, visit PGA Tour’s official Open Championship page (pgatour.com ). Additional analysis from CBS Sports covers tee times and pairings for Round 3. Note: ESPN’s dedicated content page was unavailable at time of publication due to server restrictions.