What Channel Is The Open On: TV Guide Info

The Open Championship, one of the most prestigious events in professional golf, is typically broadcast live on major sports networks depending on your region. In the United States, what channel is The Open on is most commonly answered by ESPN and ABC, with early rounds airing on ESPN and weekend coverage often shifting to ABC for final-round action. For international viewers, particularly in the UK, the tournament is televised on Sky Sports Golf and BBC Sport, ensuring broad accessibility. This long-standing broadcasting arrangement means fans searching for what channel is The Open on can reliably turn to these networks during tournament week, usually held in mid-July each year. However, exact channels and streaming platforms may vary slightly from year to year, so checking official sources ahead of time is essential for accurate viewing information.

Quick Overview: Where to Watch The Open Championship

The Open Championship—often referred to simply as “The Open” or the British Open—is televised globally through a network of official broadcasters. In the U.S., ESPN holds primary rights to the event under a multi-year agreement with The R&A, the governing body of the championship. Early rounds (Thursday and Friday) are generally aired on ESPN, while weekend broadcasts (Saturday and Sunday) featuring the final cuts and leaderboard drama are often moved to ABC, Disney’s broadcast network, allowing wider over-the-air access. This dual-network approach ensures both cable and non-subscriber audiences can follow the action.

In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Golf serves as the main pay-TV broadcaster, offering comprehensive live coverage, player tracking, and expert commentary. Simultaneously, the BBC provides free-to-air highlights and select live windows, especially during peak weekend hours. Other international broadcasters include TSN in Canada, Foxtel in Australia, and SuperSport in Africa, among others. So when fans ask, what channel is The Open on, the answer depends heavily on geographic location and subscription services.

Typical Broadcasting Policy for The Open Championship

Unlike retail stores or service providers that adjust physical operations during holidays, The Open Championship itself does not “close” or change its broadcast schedule based on public holidays. Instead, its air times are dictated by the tournament calendar, which traditionally takes place in July, rotating among historic links courses such as St Andrews, Royal Liverpool, and Royal Troon.

The broadcasting policy follows a consistent annual framework:

Early Rounds (Thu-Fri): Extensive live coverage on ESPN (U.S.), Sky Sports Golf (UK)
Weekend Rounds (Sat-Sun): Flagship coverage shifts to ABC in the U.S.; prime-time slots on Sky and BBC in the UK
Streaming Options: Available via ESPN+, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, and the official Open app

This structure has remained largely unchanged since ESPN took over U.S. rights in 2017, replacing previous broadcaster NBC. The stability of this arrangement helps fans plan their viewing well in advance. However, it's important to note that while the overall policy is standardized, specific start times and channel allocations can shift due to weather delays, tee time schedules, or regional programming conflicts.

Why Broadcast Channels May Vary by Location

One of the key reasons the answer to what channel is The Open on varies is because of regional broadcasting rights. Global sporting events like The Open are licensed to different media companies in different countries. These rights are auctioned off by The R&A to maximize reach and revenue, leading to a patchwork of networks responsible for local coverage.

Here are several factors that influence where The Open appears on television:

1. Geographic Region

Broadcast rights are sold on a per-country basis. For example:

United States → ESPN / ABC
United Kingdom → Sky Sports / BBC
Australia → Fox Sports / Kayo Sports
Canada → TSN
India → Sony Sports Network

Fans traveling or using virtual private networks (VPNs) may encounter geo-blocking restrictions, meaning they cannot access certain streams without a local subscription or IP address.

2. Type of Service: Cable vs. Streaming vs. Free-to-Air

Even within a single country, viewers have multiple ways to watch, each tied to different platforms:

Cable Subscribers: Likely use ESPN, Sky Sports, or TSN depending on region
Streaming-Only Users: Can access ESPN+, Sky Go, DAZN, or Discovery+ (in Europe)
Free TV Viewers: Rely on ABC (U.S.) or BBC (UK) for limited but high-quality weekend coverage

This tiered system allows flexibility but also creates confusion about what channel is The Open on at any given moment.

3. Time Zone Differences

The Open is played in the UK, meaning live coverage occurs during European daytime hours. For North American audiences, this translates to early morning or overnight broadcasts. As a result, U.S. networks like ESPN may delay or rebroadcast key moments during primetime, while UK viewers enjoy uninterrupted live feeds.

To accommodate global audiences, digital platforms often offer full replays, condensed rounds, and on-demand highlights—making it easier than ever to catch up even if you miss the live telecast.

Holiday and Calendar Factors Affecting Coverage

While The Open Championship is not affected by traditional holidays in the way retail businesses are, its placement on the calendar does intersect with public holidays in some regions. For instance:

If The Open falls on July 4th (U.S. Independence Day), American broadcasters may integrate patriotic themes into coverage, though no changes to channel assignments occur.
In Scotland, where many Opens are hosted, the tournament sometimes coincides with local civic events or festivals, potentially influencing supplementary programming or local news coverage.
Labor Day (first Monday in September) and Memorial Day (last Monday in May) are not directly related, as The Open takes place in July, but they serve as anchor dates for golf fans marking their calendars.

Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas—when many stores close—golf tournaments like The Open are designed to maximize viewership, so they avoid conflicting with major holidays whenever possible. Still, occasional overlaps happen, especially with variable-date holidays like Easter or school breaks.

Additionally, pre-tournament activities such as practice days or pro-am events are rarely televised live but may appear as clips or features on network shows. The main broadcast window begins Thursday morning (UK time) and runs through Sunday evening, rain or shine.

Practical Viewing Planning Tips

Knowing what channel is The Open on is only half the battle. To ensure you don’t miss a single putt, follow these practical steps:

1. Check Official Sources Early

Visit theofficial Open website weeks before the tournament. Under the “Watch” section, you’ll find an updated list of global broadcasters, streaming partners, and time-specific schedules.

2. Use the Open Championship App

Download the free Open app (available on iOS and Android). It provides real-time scoring, live audio commentary, featured groups, and direct links to stream matches based on your location.

3. Confirm With Your TV Provider

Search your cable or satellite guide for “The Open,” “British Open,” or “Golf.” If you subscribe to ESPN or Sky Sports, verify whether additional packages (e.g., ESPN+ or Sky Sports Golf HD) are required.

4. Set Reminders for Key Rounds

Final rounds are typically most competitive and air between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM ET (12:00–7:00 PM UK time). Mark your calendar for Saturday and Sunday mornings if you're in the U.S.

5. Have Backup Streaming Options Ready

Sign up for ESPN+ (U.S.) or Discovery+ (Europe) in advance. These platforms often carry exclusive early coverage or alternate feeds not available on linear TV.

Region	Main Channel(s)	Streaming Option
United States	ESPN, ABC	ESPN+, Hulu Live
United Kingdom	Sky Sports Golf, BBC	Sky Go, BBC iPlayer
Canada	TSN	TSN Direct
Australia	Kayo Sports, Fox Sports	Kayo, Foxtel Now
India	Sony Sports Ten 2 & 4	SonyLIV

How to Verify Current Broadcast Information

Since policies and partnerships can evolve, always confirm the latest details using this quick checklist:

Go to theofficial Open website – Navigate to the “Broadcast” or “Where to Watch” page.
Select your country – The site automatically adjusts recommendations based on your region.
Check social media – Follow @TheOpen on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Facebook for last-minute updates.
Contact your provider – Call your cable company or check their online TV guide.
Download the app – Get push notifications about tee times and broadcast switches.

Note: While core broadcasters remain stable, changes can occur. For example, in 2023, Discovery merged Eurosport with TNT Sports in the UK, affecting how fans access live feeds. Always double-check even if you watched last year on the same channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What channel is The Open on in the USA?

In the United States, The Open is primarily broadcast on ESPN and ABC. Early rounds air on ESPN, while weekend coverage, especially the final round, is often shown on ABC for broader accessibility.

Is The Open on TV free to watch?

Yes, partially. In the U.S., ABC airs weekend coverage over-the-air for free. In the UK, the BBC broadcasts live segments and highlights without requiring a subscription. However, full live coverage typically requires a paid service like ESPN+ or Sky Sports.

Can I stream The Open online?

Yes. You can stream The Open via ESPN+ (U.S.), Discovery+ (Europe), Sky Go (UK), TSN Direct (Canada), and Kayo Sports (Australia). The official Open app also offers live scoring and select video streams based on your region.

What time does The Open come on TV?

Live coverage typically starts around 7:00 AM Eastern Time (12:00 PM BST) on Thursdays through Sundays. Weekend broadcasts may extend longer depending on playoff scenarios or weather delays.

Does the broadcast channel change every year?

No, the primary channels remain consistent year-to-year due to long-term contracts. ESPN has held U.S. rights since 2017, and Sky Sports covers the tournament in the UK. However, minor scheduling adjustments or streaming platform updates may occur annually.