What Channel Is The British Open On Today?

If you're asking what channel is the British Open on today, the answer depends on your location and the current tournament day. In the United States, live coverage of The Open Championship is primarily broadcast on Golf Channel and NBC, with early rounds typically airing on Golf Channel and weekend coverage shifting to NBC for final-round action. For viewers in the UK, BBC Sport and Sky Sports Golf share broadcasting rights, offering comprehensive live TV and streaming coverage. Streaming options include the Peacock app, GolfTV, BBC iPlayer, and Sky Go, allowing fans to watch the British Open online from nearly any device. Be sure to verify the exact channel and broadcast schedule based on your region and the specific round being played today.

Quick Overview: Where to Watch The British Open Today

The British Open, officially known as The Open Championship, is one of golf’s four major tournaments and attracts millions of viewers worldwide. If you’re trying to find what channel is the British Open on today, it's essential to understand that broadcast networks vary by country and even by the stage of the tournament. In the U.S., the primary broadcaster is NBCUniversal's family of networks, including Golf Channel (for early rounds) and NBC (weekend prime-time coverage). In the United Kingdom, both BBC and Sky Sports provide extensive coverage, with BBC focusing on free-to-air broadcasts and Sky offering in-depth analysis and additional camera angles.

Today’s broadcast will likely depend on whether it’s a weekday or weekend round. Early rounds (Thursday and Friday) are usually shown on Golf Channel from 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET, while Saturday and Sunday coverage transitions to NBC from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET. All broadcasts are also streamed live via Peacock Premium and the NBC Sports app (authentication required).

U.S. Broadcast Schedule for The Open Championship

In the United States, the official media rights for The Open Championship are held by NBC Sports. This arrangement has been in place since 2017, following NBC’s acquisition of exclusive U.S. television rights from ESPN. Under this agreement:

Thursday–Friday: Live coverage airs on Golf Channel from approximately 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Saturday: Morning coverage begins on Golf Channel, transitioning to NBC around 8:00 AM ET through late afternoon.
Sunday (Final Round): Full-day coverage on NBC, starting at 8:00 AM ET, capturing every crucial shot during the championship’s climax.

Additionally, select featured groups and holes are streamed exclusively on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform. A Peacock Premium subscription ($5.99/month) is required to access these streams without a cable login.

UK Viewing Options: What Channel Is The British Open On Today?

For viewers in the United Kingdom, the answer to what channel is the British Open on today involves two main broadcasters: BBC and Sky Sports. Since 2016, the BBC and Sky have shared coverage under a rotating rights agreement designed to balance public access with premium sports content.

BBC Sport Coverage

The BBC provides free-to-air coverage across its platforms:

BBC One and BBC Two: Air highlights and live segments, especially during peak hours.
BBC iPlayer: Offers full live streaming of all rounds, including uninterrupted coverage of key players and leaderboard tracking.
BBC Sport Website & App: Provides real-time updates, video clips, and embedded live streams accessible on mobile devices.

BBC typically covers Thursday and Friday afternoons, Saturday mornings, and Sunday afternoons—focusing on British contenders and dramatic moments.

Sky Sports Golf Channel

Sky Sports holds exclusive rights to broadcast every hole of every round live. Subscribers can watch:

Continuous live coverage from first tee to final putt.
Multiple camera feeds, player trackers, and expert commentary.
On-demand replays and extended highlights.

To access Sky Sports Golf, you need a Sky TV subscription or a standalone Now TV Day Pass (£11.99), which allows 24-hour access to all Sky Sports channels.

Region	Channel	Time (Local)	Streaming Option
United States	Golf Channel / NBC	4:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET (early rounds) 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET (weekends)	Peacock, NBC Sports App
United Kingdom	BBC One / BBC iPlayer	9:00 AM – 7:00 PM BST	BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Online
United Kingdom	Sky Sports Golf	Full-day coverage	Sky Go, Now TV
Canada	TSN, RDS (French)	Varies by round	TSN.ca, TSN Direct
Australia	ESPN Australia, Kayo Sports	Evening to overnight AEST	Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go

How to Stream The British Open Online

With increasing demand for digital access, most major broadcasters offer robust streaming solutions. Here’s how to watch what channel is the British Open on today via online platforms:

1. Peacock (U.S.)

Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, offers both live and on-demand coverage. While basic highlights are free, full live streams require a Peacock Premium subscription. You’ll also need to log in with your cable provider credentials unless you subscribe directly through Peacock.

2. NBC Sports App (U.S.)

This app mirrors Golf Channel and NBC broadcasts. It requires authentication with a participating pay-TV provider but delivers high-quality streaming on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.

3. BBC iPlayer (UK)

Available only within the UK due to geo-restrictions, BBC iPlayer streams all BBC Open coverage live and on-demand. No subscription is needed—just a valid UK TV license.

4. Sky Go & Now TV (UK)

Sky Go allows existing Sky subscribers to stream matches on multiple devices. Alternatively, Now TV offers flexible passes (day, week, month) to access Sky Sports Golf without a long-term contract.

5. International Options

Canada: TSN streams live via TSN.ca or the TSN app with a cable login or TSN Direct subscription.
Australia: Kayo Sports and Foxtel carry live coverage, ideal for overnight viewing.
Europe: Eurosport and Discovery+ provide coverage in multiple languages.

Factors That May Affect Broadcast Schedules

While the general pattern remains consistent, several factors can influence what channel is the British Open on today:

Tournament Location and Time Zone

The Open rotates among historic links courses in Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. Depending on the host course’s location, broadcast start times shift accordingly. For example, when The Open is held at St Andrews (UTC+1), U.S. broadcasts begin at 4:00 AM ET, whereas events ending later than expected may extend beyond scheduled airtime.

Weather Delays

Links golf is highly susceptible to weather. Rain, wind, or fog can delay play, causing broadcasters to adjust programming. Networks like Golf Channel often go live earlier than planned to capture rescheduled tee times.

Exclusive Rights Windows

In the UK, Sky Sports has exclusive early-morning rights, meaning BBC cannot broadcast until mid-morning. This affects when free-to-air viewers can start watching.

Practical Tips for Watching Today’s Coverage

To ensure you don’t miss a single moment of The Open Championship, follow these actionable steps:

Check Your Local Listings: Use your TV guide or visit GolfChannel.com or BBC Sport Golf for updated schedules.
Download the Right Apps: Install Peacock, NBC Sports, BBC iPlayer, or Sky Go depending on your region and subscription status.
Set Reminders: Use calendar alerts or smart speaker reminders for tee-off times of top players.
Use a VPN (if traveling): If you’re outside your home country, a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help access geo-blocked content (e.g., using a UK-based server to watch BBC iPlayer).
Follow Social Media: Platforms like Twitter/X, YouTube, and Instagram provide real-time updates, highlight reels, and live look-ins even if you can’t watch full coverage.

Remember, broadcast details can change annually. For instance, future Opens might see expanded streaming rights or new partners entering the mix. Always confirm the latest information before game day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What channel is the British Open on today in the U.S.?

In the U.S., the British Open airs on Golf Channel (Thursday–Friday) and NBC (Saturday–Sunday). Check local listings for exact times based on your time zone.

Can I stream the British Open for free?

Limited free streaming is available. In the U.S., Peacock offers some free highlights; in the UK, BBC iPlayer provides full free live coverage with a TV license. Otherwise, subscriptions are required.

Is the British Open on ESPN anymore?

No. ESPN lost U.S. broadcast rights after 2015. Since 2016, NBC and Golf Channel have held exclusive rights to televise The Open Championship in the United States.

What time does the British Open start today on TV?

Live TV coverage in the U.S. starts at 4:00 AM ET on Golf Channel for early rounds. Weekend coverage on NBC begins at 8:00 AM ET. Actual tee times vary by player and group.

Does Sky Sports show every hole of the British Open?

Yes. Sky Sports Golf broadcasts live coverage from every hole throughout the entire tournament, offering unparalleled depth compared to free-to-air alternatives.