The Open Championship: TV Schedule, Streaming Guide & 2024 Preview

Jul 17, 2025

The Open Championship: Your Ultimate Viewing Guide

The Open Championship, also known as the British Open, is one of golf's four major championships. For golf enthusiasts worldwide, knowing how and when to watch this prestigious tournament is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the 2024 Open Championship TV schedule, streaming options, what to expect from the players and the course, and answers to frequently asked questions.

2024 Open Championship: Key Details

Before diving into the broadcast schedule, let's cover the essentials:

Dates: July 18-21, 2024
Location: Royal Troon Golf Club, Ayrshire, Scotland
Defending Champion: Brian Harman

TV Schedule for The Open Championship 2024

In the United States, NBC and USA Network will provide television coverage of The Open Championship. Here's a detailed breakdown of the broadcast schedule (all times are Eastern Time and subject to change):

USA Network Coverage:

Thursday, July 18: 1:30 AM - 4:00 PM (First Round)
Friday, July 19: 1:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Second Round)
Saturday, July 20: 5:00 AM - 7:00 AM (Third Round)

NBC Coverage:

Saturday, July 20: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Third Round)
Sunday, July 21: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Final Round)

Note: Check your local listings to confirm exact broadcast times and channels in your area. The Golf Channel may also offer pre- and post-round coverage, providing analysis and interviews.

Streaming Options for The Open Championship 2024

In today's digital age, streaming provides a convenient alternative to traditional television. Here's how you can stream The Open Championship:

Peacock

Peacock is NBC's streaming service and will offer comprehensive coverage of The Open Championship. A Peacock Premium subscription is typically required to access live sports content. You can expect:

Live simulcasts of USA Network and NBC broadcasts
Featured groups coverage
Highlights and on-demand replays

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App also provide live streaming of The Open Championship, but authentication with a cable or satellite provider is often required.

Other Streaming Services

Several other streaming services offer channels that carry NBC and USA Network, including:

Hulu + Live TV
YouTube TV
Sling TV (check channel availability in your area)
FuboTV

These services provide access to live sports, news, and entertainment channels. However, ensure that your chosen service includes NBC and USA Network in its channel lineup.

TheOpen.com

The official website of The Open Championship, TheOpen.com, offers live scoring, news, highlights, and sometimes live streaming of select holes or featured groups. While it might not provide full broadcast coverage, it's an excellent resource for staying updated.

What to Expect from the Course: Royal Troon

Royal Troon is a challenging links course known for its demanding conditions and unique layout. Here's what players will face:

Course Characteristics

Location: Ayrshire, Scotland, a classic links setting.
Weather: Expect unpredictable weather, including wind, rain, and potentially cold temperatures.
Fairways: Firm and fast fairways that reward accuracy and strategic play.
Greens: Undulating greens that require precise approach shots and skillful putting.
Signature Holes: The "Postage Stamp" (8th hole), a short par-3, is famous for its small green and deep bunkers.

Historical Context

Royal Troon has hosted The Open Championship nine times prior to 2024. Past winners at Royal Troon include:

1923: Arthur Havers
1950: Bobby Locke
1962: Arnold Palmer
1973: Tom Weiskopf
1982: Tom Watson
1989: Mark Calcavecchia
1997: Justin Leonard
2004: Todd Hamilton
2016: Henrik Stenson

These past champions exemplify the type of player who thrives at Royal Troon: those who possess accuracy, mental fortitude, and the ability to manage the elements.

Course Strategy

Players must employ a strategic approach to navigate Royal Troon successfully. Key considerations include:

Wind Management: Adjust club selection and shot trajectory to account for the prevailing winds.
Links Golf Skills: Master bump-and-run shots, low-trajectory approaches, and putting on fast, undulating greens.
Patience: Embrace the challenges of links golf and remain patient throughout the tournament.

Players to Watch in the 2024 Open Championship

The Open Championship attracts the world's top golfers. Here are some players to watch in 2024:

Top Ranked Players

Scottie Scheffler: The world's top-ranked player. Scheffler's consistent ball-striking makes him a favorite in any tournament.
Rory McIlroy: A former Open Champion (2014), McIlroy has the talent and experience to contend at Royal Troon.
Jon Rahm: Rahm's power and precision make him a formidable competitor, especially in challenging conditions.
Xander Schauffele: Known for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure, Schauffele is a strong contender.
Viktor Hovland: Hovland's improving short game and ball-striking make him a threat on any course.

Past Champions

Several past Open Champions will compete in 2024, adding experience and historical context to the field:

Collin Morikawa (2021): Morikawa's iron play is well-suited for links golf.
Shane Lowry (2019): Lowry's strong performance in challenging weather conditions makes him a player to watch.
Jordan Spieth (2017): Spieth's creativity and shot-making ability could give him an edge at Royal Troon.
Zach Johnson (2015): Another past champion known for his skill in windy conditions.

Dark Horses

Keep an eye on these players who could surprise:

Tommy Fleetwood: Fleetwood's consistent performances in major championships make him a potential contender.
Robert MacIntyre: Playing in his home country, MacIntyre will have the support of the Scottish fans.
Min Woo Lee: The young Australian is fearless and has the talent to compete with the best.

Understanding the Unique Challenges of Links Golf

The Open Championship is unique because it's played on links courses. Links golf presents distinct challenges compared to traditional parkland courses.

What is Links Golf?

Links courses are typically located on coastal land, characterized by:

Firm Fairways: Bounced and rolled golf is essential
Undulating Terrain: Uneven lies and unpredictable bounces are common.
Pot Bunkers: Deep bunkers with steep faces that penalize errant shots.
Wind: Strong and unpredictable winds that affect ball flight.
Fescue Grass: Tall, wispy grasses that can make finding your ball difficult.

Skills Required for Links Golf

To succeed on links courses, players need to develop specific skills:

Low Trajectory Shots: Controlling ball flight to minimize the impact of the wind.
Bump-and-Run Shots: Using the ground to approach the green effectively.
Creative Shot-Making: Adapting to unpredictable lies and bounces.
Mental Fortitude: Remaining patient and focused in challenging conditions.

Expert Tips for Watching The Open Championship

To enhance your viewing experience, consider these expert tips:

Follow Live Scoring

Stay updated with the latest scores and standings on TheOpen.com and other golf news websites.

Use Social Media

Follow golf journalists, commentators, and players on social media for real-time updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes content.

Watch Featured Groups

Streaming services like Peacock often offer featured groups coverage, allowing you to watch specific players or pairings throughout their rounds.

Pay Attention to Weather Conditions

Weather plays a significant role in The Open Championship. Keep an eye on the forecast and how it affects player strategy and scoring.

Learn About the Course

Familiarize yourself with Royal Troon's layout, key holes, and historical significance to appreciate the challenges players face.

The Open Championship: A Historical Perspective

The Open Championship has a rich history dating back to 1860. Understanding its origins and evolution adds depth to your viewing experience.

Early Years

The first Open Championship was held at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. The tournament was initially contested by only eight players.

Notable Moments

The Open Championship has produced countless memorable moments, including:

Jack Nicklaus's and Tom Watson's Duel (1977): Their epic battle at Turnberry is considered one of the greatest golf matches of all time.
Tiger Woods's Dominance (2000, 2005, 2006): Woods's three Open Championship victories showcased his exceptional talent and strategic prowess.
Ben Curtis's Surprise Victory (2003): Curtis, an unheralded American, defied the odds to win at Royal St George's.

The Claret Jug

The Claret Jug is the trophy awarded to the winner of The Open Championship. It's one of the most iconic and cherished trophies in sports. The champion gets to keep the Claret Jug for one year before returning it to The R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews), the governing body of golf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What time does The Open Championship start each day?

The Open Championship typically starts early in the morning due to the time difference between the UK and the United States. First-round coverage usually begins around 1:30 AM Eastern Time.

How can I watch The Open Championship if I don't have cable?

You can stream The Open Championship through streaming services like Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV. Ensure that these services include NBC and USA Network in their channel lineups.

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

Yes, you can watch The Open Championship on your phone or tablet using the NBC Sports App, Peacock app, or the apps of other streaming services that carry NBC and USA Network.

What are the key holes to watch at Royal Troon?

The "Postage Stamp" (8th hole) is the most famous hole at Royal Troon. Other challenging holes include the 11th ("Railway"), known for its out-of-bounds along the right side, and the 17th ("Rabbit"), a long par-4 that requires accuracy and distance.

What is the weather forecast for The Open Championship at Royal Troon?

The weather in Scotland is unpredictable. Check the latest weather forecast before and during the tournament to stay informed about potential wind, rain, and temperature changes.

How can I get tickets to The Open Championship?

Tickets to The Open Championship are typically sold in advance through a ballot system on TheOpen.com. Check the website for information about ticket availability and pricing.

What does 'cut' mean in golf?

The 'cut' in golf refers to the reduction of the field of players after the first two rounds of a tournament. Only the players with the lowest scores after two rounds (36 holes) continue to play in the final two rounds (36 holes) of the tournament. The remaining players are said to have 'made the cut'. The cut line typically includes the top 70 players and ties. Those who do not make the cut do not play the final two rounds and do not receive prize money beyond what is guaranteed for participating in the first two rounds.

Who decides the course setup and pin positions at The Open Championship?

The R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews), the governing body of golf and organizer of The Open Championship, is responsible for setting up the golf course. This includes determining the tee positions, pin (hole) locations on the greens, and the overall course conditions to ensure a fair and challenging test for the players. The R&A course setup team considers various factors such as weather conditions, course history, and the desired level of difficulty when making these decisions. Their goal is to present a course that rewards skillful play and strategic thinking.

Conclusion

The Open Championship is a highlight of the golf calendar, offering thrilling competition and captivating drama. By understanding the TV schedule, streaming options, course characteristics, and players to watch, you can enhance your viewing experience and fully appreciate this historic championship. Enjoy the 2024 Open Championship from Royal Troon!