What Channel Is Scottish Open On: TV Coverage Guide

The Scottish Open is typically broadcast live on Golf Channel in the United States, with select coverage also available on NBC, especially during weekend rounds. For viewers searching for what channel is the Scottish Open on today, the answer depends on the tournament stage: early rounds are usually aired on Golf Channel, while final-day action often shifts to NBC for broader exposure. International audiences can watch via Sky Sports in the UK and other regional sports networks. Streaming services like Peacock, ESPN+, or the official PGA Tour Live app provide online access, often requiring a cable login or subscription.

Quick Overview: Where to Watch the Scottish Open

The Scottish Open is one of the most prestigious events on the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) and part of the wider Official World Golf Ranking schedule. It traditionally takes place just before The Open Championship, serving as a key warm-up event for links-style golf. As such, it draws major television interest from broadcasters around the world.

In the U.S., Golf Channel holds primary rights to the tournament through its multi-year agreement with the DP World Tour. This means that Thursday and Friday rounds are almost always televised live on Golf Channel, typically starting between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM ET, depending on the time difference with Scotland. Saturday and Sunday broadcasts may begin on Golf Channel but often transition to NBC in the afternoon, particularly if there’s overlap with PGA Tour events or high viewer demand.

Fans asking what channel is the Scottish Open on this weekend should check local listings, as broadcast times and channels can shift slightly based on weather delays, scheduling conflicts, or tournament progression.

International Broadcast Options

For viewers outside the United States, the answer to what channel is the Scottish Open on varies by region:

United Kingdom & Ireland: Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event provide comprehensive live coverage, including early tee times and featured groups.
Australia: ESPN Australia or Kayo Sports stream the event live.
Canada: TSN+ or TSN Direct offers streaming access; limited linear TV coverage may appear on TSN.
India: Star Sports Network or Disney+ Hotstar.
Rest of World: The DP World Tour’s official website and YouTube channel offer free highlights, featured holes, and occasional live streams depending on territorial rights.

Region	Broadcast Channel	Streaming Option
USA	Golf Channel, NBC	Peacock, PGA Tour Live, Sling TV, fuboTV
UK & Ireland	Sky Sports Golf	Sky Go, NOW TV
Australia	Kayo Sports, ESPN	Kayo, Foxtel Now
Canada	TSN	TSN Direct
India	Star Sports	Disney+ Hotstar

Typical Broadcasting Schedule by Round

To help fans plan their viewing, here's a general breakdown of when and where each round airs:

Thursday & Friday (Rounds 1–2)

Time: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET (live from Scotland)
Channel: Golf Channel (U.S.), Sky Sports (UK)
Coverage: Full-field live coverage, rotating cameras, featured groups

Saturday (Round 3)

Time: 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM ET
Channel: Golf Channel until ~11:00 AM, then switches to NBC for later leaderboards
Note: NBC coverage often begins later than Golf Channel’s start time

Sunday (Final Round)

Time: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM ET
Channel: Starts on Golf Channel, transitions to NBC around 12:00 PM ET
Focus: Leaderboard coverage, marquee pairings, real-time scoring updates

This staggered approach allows American networks to balance audience reach with programming logistics. Viewers who want uninterrupted access should rely on streaming platforms.

Reasons for Broadcast Variability

While the general pattern remains consistent—Golf Channel for early rounds, NBC for weekends—the exact what channel is the Scottish Open on right now question can vary due to several factors:

1. Weather Delays

Given the Scottish weather’s unpredictability, rain delays or suspended play can push tee times into later slots, forcing broadcasters to adjust schedules. In extreme cases, compressed finishes may lead to extended coverage blocks or rescheduling.

2. Tournament Overlap with Other Events

The Scottish Open occasionally overlaps with PGA Tour events, LPGA tournaments, or even The Open qualifiers. When multiple golf events air simultaneously, networks must prioritize based on contractual obligations and expected viewership.

3. Regional Blackouts

Some streaming services impose blackouts due to exclusive regional broadcasting rights. For example, if you're using Peacock in a country where Sky Sports holds exclusivity, certain content may be restricted.

4. Cable vs. Streaming Access

Traditional cable subscribers with Golf Channel will have full access, but cord-cutters must use authenticated streaming apps. Platforms like fuboTV, Sling TV Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV include Golf Channel in their base packages, making them ideal for watching the Scottish Open without a traditional cable subscription.

Holiday and Weekend Viewing Considerations

Although the Scottish Open isn’t tied to a public holiday like Christmas or Thanksgiving, its placement in mid-July means it often coincides with summer weekends—including U.S. Independence Day week (July 4th). This timing affects both broadcast decisions and viewer habits.

Weekend vs. Weekday Viewing Patterns

Because Rounds 1 and 2 fall on Thursdays and Fridays, fewer American viewers tune in live compared to the weekend. As a result, networks allocate more resources to Saturday and Sunday broadcasts, ensuring prime-time visibility on over-the-air channels like NBC.

Impact of Major Holidays Nearby

July 4th (U.S. Independence Day): If the tournament overlaps with July 4th week, NBC might reduce golf coverage temporarily in favor of fireworks specials or national parades, though core golf programming usually continues on Golf Channel.
Bank Holiday (UK): No significant impact, as the UK does not have a bank holiday during the typical Scottish Open window (usually third or fourth week of July).

Pre-Open Championship Build-Up

Since the Scottish Open immediately precedes The Open Championship, broadcasters treat it as essential preparation. Networks increase promotional content, feature player interviews, and highlight course conditions to build anticipation for the year’s oldest major.

Practical Tips for Watching the Scottish Open

Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or catching your first Scottish Open, these tips will ensure you don’t miss a single shot.

1. Know Your Time Zone

Scotland operates on British Summer Time (BST), which is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). Early tee times (e.g., 7:00 AM BST) translate to 2:00 AM ET—too early for most live viewers. However, delayed broadcasts or morning recaps are often available later in the day.

2. Use Reliable Streaming Services

If you don’t have cable, consider subscribing to a live TV streaming service that includes Golf Channel:

fuboTV – Includes Golf Channel, Fox Sports, and extensive DVR cloud storage
Sling TV (Blue Package) – Offers Golf Channel and NBC Sports Network
Hulu + Live TV – Bundles Golf Channel with Disney+, ESPN, and ABC
YouTube TV – Carries all major networks, including Golf Channel and NBC

3. Check the Official PGA Tour & DP World Tour Apps

The PGA Tour Live app provides global streaming access (subject to geo-restrictions) and includes:

Live hole-by-hole coverage
Featured groups
Real-time scoring
Replays of full rounds

4. Set Alerts and Reminders

Use your smart device or TV platform to set reminders for tee times, especially if you’re following a specific golfer. Many sports apps allow push notifications for leaderboard changes or birdie streaks.

5. Verify Broadcast Details Daily

Television schedules can change daily due to weather, unexpected delays, or production adjustments. Always verify the latest broadcast info the night before or early morning of play.

How to Confirm What Channel the Scottish Open Is On Today

Follow this simple five-step checklist to stay updated:

Visit the official DP World Tour website (europeantour.com) and navigate to the Scottish Open event page.
Check the 'Broadcast' tab for region-specific TV partners and air times.
Search "Golf Channel schedule" on Google with the current date to see listed programs.
Use your TV provider’s guide (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum, DirecTV) to look up Golf Channel or NBC programming.
Download the Golf Channel app and log in with your cable credentials to view live streams or upcoming segments.

Remember: What channel is the Scottish Open on may differ from day to day. Policies and broadcast rights can evolve annually, so relying on last year’s information could lead to missed coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What channel is the Scottish Open on in the USA?

The Scottish Open airs primarily on Golf Channel, with weekend coverage continuing on NBC. Early rounds start at approximately 6:00 AM ET.

Is the Scottish Open on TV this weekend?

Yes, the Scottish Open is televised live over the weekend. Saturday coverage starts on Golf Channel, transitioning to NBC in the afternoon. Sunday follows a similar pattern.

Can I stream the Scottish Open online?

Yes, you can stream the Scottish Open via Peacock, PGA Tour Live, fuboTV, Sling TV, or the Golf Channel app with authentication.

Does Sky Sports show the Scottish Open in the UK?

Yes, Sky Sports Golf provides live, comprehensive coverage of the Scottish Open throughout all four rounds.

Why isn’t the Scottish Open on ESPN?

ESPN does not hold broadcast rights for the DP World Tour events like the Scottish Open. Coverage is managed by Golf Channel (in the U.S.) and Sky Sports (in the UK).