The final men’s major championship of the year is ready to take center stage as the world’s leading golfers head to Royal Birkdale for the 154th Open Championship.
The Open 2026 Live coverage will give golf fans four days of links golf, unpredictable bounces, deep bunkers, and the pressure of competing for the Claret Jug.
Scottie Scheffler returns as the defending champion, and the historic Southport course is hosting The Open for the 11th time.
The Open 2026 Quick Overview
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | The 154th Open Championship |
| Dates | Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19, 2026 |
| Venue | Royal Birkdale Golf Club |
| Location | Southport, England |
| Format | 72-hole stroke play |
| Defending Champion | Scottie Scheffler |
| U.S. Broadcasters | NBC, Peacock, USA Sports Network/Golf Channel mobile coverage |
| UK Broadcaster | Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event |
| Canada | TSN, TSN+, and CTV during scheduled coverage windows |
| Australia | Fox Sports, Foxtel, and Kayo Sports |
The 154th Open Championship is scheduled for July 16-19, 2026, at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England.
The tournament consists of four rounds of stroke play, with the field reduced after 36 holes under the championship’s cut rules.
The confirmed U.S. television schedule includes USA Sports Network/Golf Channel mobile coverage, NBC, and Peacock across the four tournament days.
Sky Sports is providing extensive live coverage in the United Kingdom. Canadian coverage is available through TSN, TSN+, and CTV during scheduled windows, and Australian viewers can follow the championship through Fox Sports and Kayo Sports.
How to Watch The Open 2026 Live Stream
Watching the championship legally is straightforward once you know which broadcaster holds the rights in your location.
Broadcast schedules differ by country, and some services provide full tournament coverage alongside featured groups, featured holes, and additional digital feeds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Watching The Open 2026
- Check the official broadcaster in your country. NBC Sports holds U.S. coverage rights, Sky Sports carries live UK coverage, Canadian coverage is available through TSN-related platforms and CTV during scheduled windows, and Fox Sports carries the championship in Australia.
- Choose television or online streaming. Viewers with an eligible television package can watch through the appropriate channel. Cord-cutters can use authenticated streaming platforms such as Peacock in the U.S., Sky Sports services in the UK, TSN+ in Canada, or Kayo Sports in Australia.
- Confirm the daily broadcast window. The first golfers begin their rounds hours before some television broadcasts start, so fans seeking maximum coverage should check the streaming schedule and bonus-feed availability.
- Sign in before play begins. Create your account, confirm that your subscription includes the required sports channels, and test your streaming device ahead of the first tee time.
- Check for featured groups and featured holes. Additional digital feeds can provide more coverage than the primary television broadcast.
- Follow the official leaderboard. Tee times, scores, statistics, and leaderboard changes can be tracked through The Open’s official digital platforms.
How to Watch The Open 2026 in the United States
American golf fans have several options for following The Open 2026 Live coverage.
NBC Sports’ published television and streaming schedule distributes coverage among NBC, Peacock, and USA Sports Network/Golf Channel mobile coverage.
The final round schedule includes coverage from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. ET on USA Sports Network/Golf Channel mobile platforms, followed by NBC and Peacock coverage from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET.
U.S. TV Channels and Streaming Options
The primary U.S. viewing options are:
- NBC
- Peacock
- USA Sports Network/Golf Channel mobile coverage during scheduled windows
Peacock provides an important streaming option for viewers who prefer to watch on phones, tablets, computers, smart televisions, and supported streaming devices.
Because broadcast windows can differ each day, viewers should check NBC Sports’ latest programming schedule before the opening round.
Can You Watch The Open Without Cable in the U.S.?
Yes. Peacock provides streaming access during its scheduled coverage windows without requiring a traditional cable television package.
Live-TV streaming services that carry NBC or other participating channels may also provide access, depending on the subscriber’s location and package. Channel availability varies by market, so viewers should confirm local listings before purchasing a subscription.
U.S. Viewing Tip
The Open is played in England, creating early-morning viewing hours for American audiences.
Fans who want to watch as much golf as possible should confirm the complete streaming schedule instead of relying only on the main NBC broadcast window.
How to Watch The Open 2026 in the UK
Sky Sports is the primary destination for live coverage of The Open in the United Kingdom.
Sky Sports has announced at least 15 hours of live action from each of the opening two rounds. Extended coverage starts at 9:00 a.m. BST on Saturday and 8:00 a.m. BST on Sunday.
Additional feeds are available through Sky Sports+ and the Sky Sports app.
UK TV Channels and Streaming Options
Viewers can follow the championship through:
- Sky Sports Golf
- Sky Sports Main Event during scheduled windows
- Sky Sports+
- Sky Sports app
Published listings indicate coverage beginning at 6:30 a.m. BST on Thursday and Friday. Saturday coverage begins on Sky Sports Golf at 9:00 a.m., and Sunday coverage starts at 8:00 a.m.
How to Stream The Open in the UK
Existing Sky Sports subscribers can use supported Sky streaming services and the Sky Sports app.
Viewers should verify the current Sky Sports package price and availability directly with the broadcaster because subscription offers can change.
UK Viewing Tip
Sky Sports’ bonus feeds can be especially useful during the opening rounds, when dozens of golfers are on the course at the same time.
Featured groups and additional coverage can help fans follow specific players who are not appearing frequently on the main broadcast.
How to Watch The Open 2026 in Canada
Canadian viewers can follow the championship through TSN-related television and digital coverage, with CTV also carrying scheduled weekend action.
Published Canadian viewing information lists Rounds 1 and 2 on TSN via tape-delay coverage.
Weekend coverage is scheduled across TSN and CTV, with TSN+ providing three bonus streaming feeds for featured groups and holes on Saturday and Sunday.
Canada TV and Streaming Options
The available platforms include:
- TSN
- TSN+
- CTV during scheduled coverage windows
Exact channel assignments and broadcast times can change, so Canadian viewers should check local listings before each round.
Can You Stream The Open in Canada?
Yes. TSN+ provides digital streaming coverage, including additional feeds during scheduled championship windows.
Access requirements depend on the viewer’s subscription package. Fans should confirm current pricing directly with TSN before subscribing.
Canada Viewing Tip
Because the championship is played in England, Canadian audiences should expect early start times. Digital bonus feeds can provide access to selected groups and holes before or alongside traditional television coverage.
How to Watch The Open 2026 in Australia
Australian golf fans can watch every round through Fox Sports platforms.
Foxtel confirms that the 2026 Open Championship is available through its sports packages. Viewers can also access Fox Sports coverage through Kayo Sports.
Foxtel states that eligible new customers may have access to a 10-day Foxtel Now trial, subject to current terms and availability.
Australia TV Channels and Streaming Options
Australian viewers can use:
- Fox Sports
- Foxtel
- Foxtel Now
- Kayo Sports
Kayo Sports provides live and on-demand sports streaming on supported devices. Subscription pricing and promotional offers can change, so viewers should verify the latest plans directly before signing up.
Can You Stream Every Round in Australia?
Yes. Fox Sports’ rights portfolio includes live coverage of every round of golf’s four men’s major championships, including The Open. Fox Sports programming is available through Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
Australia Viewing Tip
The time difference means championship coverage extends into evening and overnight viewing hours in Australia. Checking Kayo Sports or Foxtel’s daily schedule can help viewers identify the best coverage windows for their preferred players.
How to Watch The Open Golf 2026 From the Rest of the World
The Open is distributed internationally through regional broadcast agreements and a world feed used by rights holders in multiple markets.
Golf fans outside the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia should check The Open’s official coverage information and local television listings to identify the authorized broadcaster in their region.
Historically, major international markets have included regional broadcasters such as ESPN in Latin America and SuperSport in South Africa, but rights arrangements can change. Viewers should confirm current 2026 availability before subscribing to any service.
International Streaming Options
Depending on location, fans may have access to:
- Local sports television networks
- Broadcaster-owned streaming services
- Featured-group coverage
- Featured-hole feeds
- Championship radio coverage
- Highlights and leaderboard updates through The Open’s digital platforms
The Open’s official website has historically provided selected digital coverage, including highlights, featured groups, featured holes, and radio coverage, subject to territorial restrictions.
How to Find Your Local Broadcaster
Visit the official championship website and check its coverage information close to the tournament.
Broadcast rights can differ significantly across territories. If a verified 2026 broadcaster is not listed for your location, check local listings instead of relying on unofficial streams.
International Viewing Tip
Confirm three things before tournament week: the broadcaster, the subscription requirement, and your local start time. This avoids missing early-round action due to time-zone differences.
The Open 2026 Full Schedule
The 154th Open Championship takes place over four competitive rounds from Thursday, July 16, through Sunday, July 19.
Royal Birkdale also hosts a new Last-Chance Qualifier on Monday, July 13, offering another pathway into the championship field.
Monday, July 13: Last-Chance Qualifier
The new same-week Last-Chance Qualifier takes place at Royal Birkdale.
Players competing in the qualifier have a final opportunity to earn entry into the championship field.
Tuesday, July 14: Practice Day
Qualified players continue tournament preparation, course study, practice sessions, and media commitments.
Fans should check official championship information for public-access schedules and practice-day arrangements.
Wednesday, July 15: Final Practice Day
Players complete their final preparations before the opening round.
Official first-round tee times and pairings should be checked through The Open’s leaderboard and tee-time pages once published.
Thursday, July 16: First Round
The championship begins with the full field playing 18 holes.
The first two rounds traditionally use split starts and morning and afternoon tee-time waves. Exact 2026 tee times should be checked through official tournament listings.
Friday, July 17: Second Round
The full field completes another 18 holes.
After 36 holes, the cut reduces the field according to The Open’s official championship conditions.
Saturday, July 18: Third Round
Players who make the cut compete in the third round.
Pairings are determined by leaderboard position, and television coverage expands as the championship contenders begin separating from the chasing pack.
Sunday, July 19: Final Round
The remaining players complete the final 18 holes.
The golfer with the lowest 72-hole total becomes Champion Golfer of the Year and receives the Claret Jug.
If players are tied for the lead after 72 holes, The Open’s official playoff procedure is used to determine the champion.
The Open 2026 Field and Players to Watch
The Open Championship field is assembled through multiple exemption categories and qualifying routes.
Those routes include past Open champions meeting eligibility requirements, recent major champions, leading players from world rankings and professional tours, qualifying series events, Final Qualifying, and other exemption categories established by The R&A.
The championship field continues to develop until the final qualifying places and late exemptions are settled.
Scottie Scheffler Returns as Defending Champion
Scottie Scheffler enters Royal Birkdale as the defending Champion Golfer of the Year.
Scheffler won the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush, finishing 17-under-par and four strokes ahead of the field to claim his first Claret Jug.
His title defense creates one of the championship’s major storylines. Royal Birkdale presents a very different challenge from Royal Portrush, placing a premium on positioning, controlled iron shots, bunker avoidance, and precise links-golf strategy.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy remains one of the most closely followed golfers at every major championship.
The 2014 Champion Golfer of the Year has the power to attack par-5 holes and the experience required to manage links courses. His performance at Royal Birkdale will be one of the championship’s biggest talking points.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele has established himself as one of the leading major championship performers of his generation.
His controlled ball striking, consistency, and ability to manage difficult scoring conditions make him an important player to follow at Royal Birkdale.
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm’s combination of power, shot-making, and links-golf experience makes him another major championship contender.
Course management will be particularly important because Royal Birkdale’s bunkering can quickly turn aggressive decisions into dropped shots.
Leading International Players and Qualifiers
The final championship field also includes players earning places through exemptions, the Open Qualifying Series, Final Qualifying, and the new Last-Chance Qualifier.
Because qualification continues close to tournament week, fans should consult the official field page for the definitive list of competitors.
The Open 2026 Purse and Prize Money Payouts
The R&A had not announced the official 2026 championship purse and complete payout distribution in the verified sources reviewed for this article.
For that reason, no estimated purse or speculative winner’s prize is presented here.
Prize money has increased significantly over the championship’s recent history. For context, The R&A announced a $14 million total prize fund for the 2022 Open Championship at St Andrews, with $2.5 million awarded to the champion.
The official 2026 purse and full payout structure should be confirmed through The Open once announced.
What Does the Open Champion Receive?
The winner receives one of golf’s most prestigious titles: Champion Golfer of the Year.
The champion also receives the Claret Jug, officially known as the Golf Champion Trophy, alongside the winner’s prize money and the competitive benefits attached to winning a major championship.
When Will the 2026 Purse Be Confirmed?
The R&A typically releases official prize-money information close to the championship.
Fans looking for accurate purse figures should use the official tournament announcement instead of relying on projections based on previous years.
Why Prize-Money Verification Matters
Major championship purses can change from year to year.
Publishing an estimated purse as confirmed information can mislead readers, so this article will not present a 2026 total prize fund or complete payout table until those figures are officially announced.
The Open 2026 Tournament Preview
The Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale for the first time since 2017.
Located on England’s northwest coast near Southport, Royal Birkdale is one of the most celebrated courses on The Open rota. The 2026 championship marks the 11th time the venue has hosted The Open.
Royal Birkdale’s Championship History
Royal Birkdale has produced an exceptional list of Open champions.
The venue’s past winners include Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson, Ian Baker-Finch, Mark O’Meara, Padraig Harrington, and Jordan Spieth.
Spieth won the most recent Open staged at Royal Birkdale in 2017.
His final round became particularly memorable after trouble on the 13th hole. Spieth recovered to produce a remarkable closing stretch and defeat Matt Kuchar by three strokes.
What Makes Royal Birkdale Difficult?
Royal Birkdale demands accurate driving and disciplined course management.
The fairways run through towering dunes, and the course features strategically positioned bunkers capable of forcing players to play sideways or back toward the fairway.
Approach-shot control is also critical.
Players who miss greens can face challenging recovery shots from tight links turf, rough, bunkers, and awkward slopes.
Course Management Could Decide the Championship
The smartest strategy is not always attacking every flag.
Players need to identify safe landing areas, avoid fairway bunkers, understand the best angles into greens, and accept pars on difficult holes.
Royal Birkdale rewards golfers who control trajectory and distance.
Those skills become especially valuable if coastal conditions increase the difficulty of club selection and ball control.
The Battle for the Claret Jug
Scheffler arrives as defending champion, but The Open field brings together major winners, leading players from the world rankings, international tour stars, emerging professionals, and qualifiers.
Four rounds at Royal Birkdale will test every part of a golfer’s game.
The player who drives accurately, controls approach shots, manages the course intelligently, and handles major championship pressure will have the best opportunity to become the 2026 Champion Golfer of the Year.
For fans following The Open 2026 Live, the combination of an elite international field, a historic championship venue, extensive global television coverage, and the unpredictability of links golf makes the final men’s major of the season essential viewing.
FAQs
When is The Open 2026?
The 154th Open Championship takes place from Thursday, July 16, through Sunday, July 19, 2026. The tournament consists of four rounds of stroke play at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England.
Where is The Open 2026 being played?
The championship is being played at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. Royal Birkdale is hosting The Open for the 11th time and previously staged the championship in 2017.
How can I watch The Open 2026 live stream in the U.S.?
U.S. viewers can watch scheduled championship coverage through Peacock and NBC Sports platforms. Television coverage is distributed across NBC and USA Sports Network/Golf Channel mobile coverage during published windows.
What TV channel is The Open 2026 on in the UK?
Sky Sports is the primary UK broadcaster. Live coverage is available through Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports Main Event during selected windows, Sky Sports+, and supported Sky streaming services.
How can I watch The Open 2026 in Canada?
Canadian viewers can follow scheduled coverage through TSN, TSN+, and CTV. TSN+ also provides bonus feeds for featured groups and holes during selected weekend coverage windows. Viewers should check local listings for exact times.
How can I watch The Open 2026 in Australia?
Australian viewers can watch the championship through Fox Sports, Foxtel, Foxtel Now, and Kayo Sports. Fox Sports carries every round of the four men’s golf majors through its Australian platforms.
Who won The Open Championship in 2025?
Scottie Scheffler won the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush. He finished 17-under-par and defeated the field by four strokes to claim his first Claret Jug.
Who is playing in The Open 2026?
The field includes qualified players from The R&A’s exemption categories and qualifying pathways, including eligible past champions, leading players from professional tours and rankings, qualifiers, and players earning late places through qualifying events. The final field should be checked through The Open’s official website once qualification is complete.
What is The Open 2026 purse?
The official 2026 total purse and complete payout distribution had not been announced in the verified sources reviewed for this article. The final prize-money figures should be confirmed through The R&A and The Open’s official channels once released.
What time does The Open 2026 start?
First tee times are scheduled for the morning in the UK during the opening rounds, but exact player tee times and groupings should be checked through official tournament listings. Television coverage begins at different times depending on the country and broadcaster, so fans should confirm local programming schedules before each round.
