Back
Open Championship week is one of the best times of the year for golf fans in America.
They can wake up every morning to watch the world's best golfers on a fantastic links.
While UK viewers can follow the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on Sky Sports, those in the United States have many other options to watch, including USA Network and NBC on Thursday through Sunday, July 17-20. Streaming is available via platforms such as Sky Go and Peacock.
As the final major of the season, this prestigious championship brings together the world’s best players to compete for the iconic claret jug on one of golf’s most challenging venues.
Whether you’re planning to catch early morning tee times or want comprehensive streaming coverage with featured groups, multiple viewing options ensure you won’t miss a single shot. From traditional TV broadcasts to cutting-edge streaming features, here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the Open Championship in 2025.
Don't forget that GolfPass+ members get 12 months of Peacock included with their membership so you can watch the action from Royal Portrush. Plus, you'll be able to watch all your favorite shows, the Olympics & more. You can sign up here.
TV Coverage and Streaming Options
NBC Sports provides the backbone of the U.S. coverage for the Open Championship, distributing across three key channels within their network. The comprehensive approach ensures golf fans have access to live action throughout each of the four days, regardless of their viewing preferences.
NBC and USA Network handle the primary live tournament coverage, splitting broadcast duties to maximize exposure and accommodate the time difference between Northern Ireland and the United States. These networks provide the main feed that most viewers will access for live action as it unfolds at Royal Portrush.
Golf Channel serves as the tournament’s analytical hub, offering extensive pre-round coverage, post-round analysis, player interviews, and expert breakdowns. The channel’s “Live From The Open” programming has become essential viewing for serious golf fans seeking deeper insights into course conditions, player strategies and tournament story lines.
Peacock transforms the streaming experience with exclusive early round coverage, featured groups following and innovative multi-view functionality. The platform allows subscribers to watch multiple groups simultaneously or focus on specific holes, creating a customizable viewing experience that traditional TV cannot match.
DIRECTV elevates the experience further with 4K HDR broadcasts, delivering crystal-clear visuals enhanced with interactive leaderboards, detailed player bios, advanced shot tracking and multiple camera angles. This premium option provides the most immersive way to experience the championship from home.
For international audiences, the Open Championship maintains its global reach through over 200 countries via 30+ official broadcast partners, ensuring fans worldwide can access coverage through local providers.
Complete TV Schedule (Eastern Time)
The tournament schedule accommodates the significant time difference between the venue in Northern Ireland and US viewers, with early morning coverage capturing live action as it happens.
* Thursday and Friday, July 17-18
Peacock 1:30 a.m.-4 a.m., USA Network 4:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
* Saturday, July 19
USA Network 5 a.m.-7 a.m., NBC 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
*Sunday, July 20
USA Network 4 a.m.-7 a.m., NBC 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
These TV times ensure complete coverage of each round, from the earliest morning starters to the final groups finishing their rounds. The weekend transition to NBC reflects the heightened importance of the final two days when the field has been cut and the championship race intensifies.
Saturday July 19th coverage shifts to NBC during prime viewing hours, while Sunday July 20th concludes with NBC’s comprehensive final round coverage as players compete for the title. The schedule allows fans to follow their favorite players throughout the week without missing critical moments.
Peacock Streaming Schedule
Peacock’s streaming coverage begins earlier than traditional TV broadcasts, catering to dedicated golf fans who want to catch every shot. The platform’s enhanced features create an immersive experience that goes beyond standard television coverage.
Early Morning Coverage starts at 1:30 a.m. ET for all four tournament days, perfect for fans who want to watch the action live as it happens in Northern Ireland. This early access allows viewers to see course conditions and early weather impacts before they affect later groups.
Featured Groups Coverage runs from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, following selected pairings that typically include major champions, fan favorites, or players expected to be in contention. This focused coverage provides intimate access to player conversations, strategy discussions and course-management decisions.
The Par 3 Channel offers specialized coverage from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the opening rounds, focusing on the course’s signature short holes where dramatic moments often unfold. Royal Portrush features several challenging par 3s that can dramatically impact scoring and leaderboards.
All Access streams provide uninterrupted tournament coverage from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., combining live action with expert commentary, real-time highlights and comprehensive leaderboard updates. This option serves viewers who want continuous golf without commercial interruptions.
The platform’s multi-view function allows simultaneous viewing of different groups or holes, enabling fans to create their personalized viewing experience. Whether following a specific player or monitoring multiple parts of the course, this technology puts control in viewers’ hands.
Tournament Details and Venue
The 153rd Open Championship takes place July 17-20, 2025, at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, marking only the third time this prestigious venue has hosted the Open. The championship returns to the Dunluce Links course, which last welcomed the world’s best players in 2019 when Shane Lowry captured his emotional victory.
Royal Portrush presents a classic links challenge with coastal winds, deep fescue rough and elevation changes that test every aspect of a player’s game. The course features several iconic holes, including the demanding par-3 16th known as “Calamity Corner,” where championship dreams can quickly turn to nightmares.
The tournament follows the traditional 72-hole stroke play format, with 18 holes played each day over four days. The field begins with approximately 156 players competing in groups of three for Thursday and Friday rounds. After 36 holes, the field is cut to the top 70 players and ties, who continue as pairs for the weekend rounds.
Players compete for a prize purse that reached $17 million in 2024, with the champion earning $3.1 million along with the prestigious claret jug. The winner also receives significant career benefits, including five-year exemptions on major tours and automatic invitations to future Open Championships until age 60.
The field includes elite talent from the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LIV Golf and past Open champions, ensuring the strongest possible competition. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Xander Schauffele headline the expected field, with other major champions and rising stars ready to compete for golf’s oldest championship.
Pre-Tournament Coverage
The week building up to the championship features extensive coverage that sets the stage for the main event. Official practice days run from Sunday, July 13, through Wednesday, July 16, giving players time to adapt to links conditions and course nuances.
Monday, July 14 kicks off comprehensive coverage with Golf Channel’s “The Range” from 4-7 a.m., featuring live practice shots, swing analysis and player interviews. “Live From The Open” continues the coverage from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing roundtable discussions, storyline development and expert analysis from the site.
Tuesday, July 15 features highlights from the memorable 2019 championship at Royal Portrush, allowing fans to relive the drama while getting reacquainted with the course. Live coverage continues from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., combining practice round action with in-depth course analysis.
Wednesday, July 16 presents the documentary “This is Open Country,” exploring the unique culture and history surrounding the championship. The day concludes with live practice round coverage as players make final preparations for Thursday’s opening round.
This pre-tournament programming helps fans understand course conditions, identify key storylines and prepare for the week ahead. The coverage includes weather updates, course setup analysis and insights into how players are adapting their games for links golf.
Key Players and Prize Money
The championship field brings together golf’s biggest names from multiple tours, creating a truly global competition. The 2025 field includes established stars, rising talents and past champions, all seeking to add their names to the claret jug.
Scheffler enters as one of the favorites, bringing his exceptional ball-striking and mental toughness to the links challenge. Defending champion Xander Schauffele returns to defend his title, having proven his major championship credentials with his breakthrough victory. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, fresh off a second-place finish at the Scottish Open, returns home to Northern Ireland and remains a sentimental pick.
The field also features past major champions, LIV Golf stars and international players from the DP World Tour, ensuring diverse storylines and compelling competition throughout the week. Rising stars and veteran campaigners alike will test their skills against Royal Portrush’s demanding layout.
With the 2024 prize purse reaching $17 million and the champion earning $3.1 million, the financial stakes match the prestige of the event. Beyond monetary rewards, the winner joins an exclusive group of Open champions and secures their place in golf history.
Broadcast Team
NBC Sports assembles a world-class broadcast team to cover the championship, combining experienced play-by-play announcers with expert analysis and on-course reporting.
Play-by-play announcers include Dan Hicks, Terry Gannon, Mike Tirico, Steve Sands, and Tom Abbott, each bringing extensive major championship experience and distinctive voices to the coverage.
Expert analysts provide strategic insights and technical analysis, featuring major champions and accomplished professionals like Kevin Kisner, Brad Faxon, Paul McGinley and Smylie Kaufman. Their firsthand experience competing at the highest level adds depth and authenticity to the commentary.
On-course reporters Jim “Bones” Mackay, John Wood, Johnson Wagner and Karen Stupples deliver real-time updates, player interactions and course-level perspectives that bring viewers closer to the action.
Golf Channel’s “Live From” programming serves as the analytical centerpiece, providing comprehensive recaps, detailed player interviews, highlight packages, and expert discussion throughout the week.
Getting Ready to Watch
To maximize your viewing experience, consider downloading the Peacock app in advance if you plan to use streaming features. The platform’s multi-view and featured groups options require some familiarity to navigate effectively during live coverage.
Set your DVR or streaming recordings early, as the time difference means much of the live action occurs during early morning hours in the United States. Having coverage recorded allows you to catch up on missed action and replay key moments.
Check your local cable or satellite provider for 4K HDR availability if you want the highest quality viewing experience. DIRECTV and other premium providers often offer enhanced features that elevate major championship coverage.
International viewers should verify their local broadcast partner and streaming options well before the tournament begins. The Open’s global distribution means most regions have access, but specific channels and times vary by location.
The 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush promises exceptional golf and comprehensive coverage options that ensure no fan misses the action. From early morning streaming to prime-time broadcasts, multiple viewing paths accommodate every schedule and preference. With the season’s final major ready to crown a champion, make sure your viewing setup is prepared to catch every dramatic moment at one of golf’s most prestigious venues.
Stay in the Swing with GolfPass!
Get exclusive tips from the pros, in-depth course reviews, the latest gear updates, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Comments (0)