The 2025 Open Championship is here, and golf fans are buzzing with excitement! Taking place from July 17 to July 20 at the iconic Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, this is the final men’s major of the year, and it promises to deliver thrilling moments. Whether you’re rooting for local hero Rory McIlroy, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, or defending champion Xander Schauffele, you won’t want to miss a single swing. To help you catch all the action, here’s a detailed guide to the TV schedule, streaming options, and more for the 153rd Open Championship. Let’s dive in!
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When and Where to Watch on TV
The Open Championship will be broadcast in the U.S. primarily on NBC and USA Network, with a well-structured schedule to cover all four days of the tournament. Here’s the breakdown (all times Eastern):
- Thursday, July 17 (Round 1): 4 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on USA Network
- Friday, July 18 (Round 2): 4 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on USA Network
- Saturday, July 19 (Round 3): 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on USA Network, followed by 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on NBC
- Sunday, July 20 (Round 4): 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. on USA Network, followed by 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on NBC
For those in the UK, Sky Sports Golf is your go-to channel, with coverage starting at 9 a.m. BST on Saturday and 8 a.m. BST on Sunday. The Golf Channel will also air daily highlights in the U.S. every afternoon, perfect for catching up on key moments if you miss the live action.
Streaming Options for Cord-Cutters
If you’ve cut the cord or prefer streaming, Peacock is the primary platform for the 2025 Open Championship in the U.S. It offers exclusive early coverage and additional streams that TV viewers won’t get. Here’s the streaming schedule (all times Eastern):
- Thursday, July 17: 1:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. (early Round 1 coverage), Par-3 Channel from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m., Featured Groups from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m., and “All Access” from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friday, July 18: Same as Thursday, with early Round 2 coverage from 1:30 a.m. to 4 a.m., Par-3 Channel, Featured Groups, and “All Access” streams.
- Saturday, July 19: Featured Groups from 3 a.m. to 1 p.m., Par-3 Channel from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and main coverage from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, July 20: Featured Groups from 3 a.m. to 1 p.m., Par-3 Channel from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and main coverage from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Peacock also offers a unique Par-3 Channel focusing on the 6th and 16th holes, plus Featured Group streams to follow stars like McIlroy, Scheffler, and Jon Rahm. For non-Sky subscribers in the UK, NOW TV provides a contract-free streaming option with daily or monthly passes. You can also catch free highlights on the Sky Sports app or BBC2 in the UK each evening.
Key Players to Watch
This year’s Open Championship is stacked with talent. Rory McIlroy, fresh off his Masters win and career Grand Slam, is a hometown favorite, especially after setting a course record of 61 at Royal Portrush as a 16-year-old. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, is chasing his second major of 2025 after winning the PGA Championship. Defending champion Xander Schauffele is aiming to repeat his 2024 Royal Troon victory, while Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are also in the mix. Keep an eye on co-leaders Matt Fitzpatrick and Harris English, who started strong with 4-under 67s in Round 1.
Why Royal Portrush Is Special
Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links is hosting the Open for only the third time, making it a rare and exciting venue. Known for its rugged coastal dunes and punishing holes like the par-3 “Calamity Corner” 16th, this course tests even the best players. The unpredictable weather and fast fairways add to the challenge, making it a true links golf experience. Fans can expect dramatic moments, especially if the wind picks up, as players navigate the course’s unique layout.
Featured Groups and Special Coverage
Peacock’s Featured Group streams are a highlight for fans who want to follow specific players. On Thursday and Friday, you can watch groups like Schauffele, Spaun, and Rahm (4:58 a.m. ET) or McIlroy, Thomas, and Fleetwood (10:10 a.m. ET). The Par-3 Channel, showcasing the 6th and 16th holes, adds another layer of excitement. Sky Sports in the UK offers similar streams, including “Live at the Range” sessions at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. BST on practice days, with interviews and insights. NBC Sports’ “Golf Central Live From the Open” provides in-depth analysis, hosted by Rich Lerner with analysts like Paul McGinley.
Tips for Enjoying the Open Championship
To make the most of your viewing experience, set your alarm for the early morning coverage, especially for the first two rounds, as the time difference between the U.S. and Northern Ireland means action starts in the wee hours. If you’re streaming, consider a Peacock Premium subscription for access to exclusive content like the Par-3 Channel. For a premium experience, DIRECTV offers 4K HDR broadcasts with interactive leaderboards and shot tracking. If you’re traveling, a VPN like ExpressVPN can help you access your home streaming services. And don’t forget to check the official Open Championship website for live updates and tee times to stay on top of the leaderboard.
The 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush is shaping up to be a memorable event, with a star-studded field and a challenging course. Whether you’re watching on TV or streaming online, this guide has you covered to catch every moment of golf’s oldest major. So grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy the race for the Claret Jug!