Photo by Lo Sarno on Unsplash Statistical analysis of amateur golf performance consistently reveals a counterintuitive finding: distance control errors on approach shots cost recreational golfers more strokes than directional errors, even though most golfers practice and worry about direction far more. The Statistical Pattern Shot-tracking data from systems used across recreational and competitive golf shows that amateur golfers are typically far more likely to miss an approach shot short or long of their intended distance than they are to miss significantly left or right of their intended line. A shot that's 15 yards short or long frequently finds trouble — a bunker, water, or simply a much longer subsequent putt — in a way that a shot 10 yards left or right of the pin, but still on the green, does not. Why This Happens Directional misses are usually caused by face-to-path errors, covered in our ball flight laws article , which tend to be relatively consistent for an individual g...
The Open Championship broadcasts on different channels than other major championships in the US — and the time difference from the UK means the schedule is unlike anything else in the golf viewing calendar. Here is the definitive answer to what channel The Open is on for US viewers at every stage of the 2026 championship.
The Simple Answer
Peacock: Live from 1:30 AM ET all four days — the most comprehensive coverage option
USA Network: Thursday and Friday main broadcast from approximately 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET
NBC: Saturday and Sunday main broadcast from approximately 7:00 AM ET through conclusion — free over the air with an antenna
Golf Channel: Live From The Open studio programming every evening
Why The Open Starts So Early in the US
Royal Birkdale is in Southport, England — five hours ahead of Eastern Time in July. When the first players tee off at approximately 6:30 AM local time at Birkdale, it is 1:30 AM in New York. The main broadcast window for US viewers begins at approximately 4:00 AM ET on weekdays and 7:00 AM ET on the weekend when NBC takes over.
Where to Find NBC
NBC is a free broadcast network available over the air with a digital antenna in virtually every US market. On cable and satellite, it is a standard channel on every package. On live TV streaming services, NBC is included in YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream. NBC channel numbers vary by market — check your local guide.
Where to Find USA Network
USA Network carries the early morning weekday coverage (Thursday and Friday, approximately 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET). USA Network is available on cable and satellite packages and on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream. It is not available for free over the air.
Peacock: The Complete Open Streaming Platform
Peacock is NBC's streaming service and provides the most comprehensive US coverage of The Open Championship. It carries live coverage from 1:30 AM ET — the moment the first players tee off at Birkdale — through to the conclusion of play each day. Featured Groups, Featured Holes, and simulcasts of the USA Network and NBC broadcasts are all available on Peacock. The Peacock ad-supported plan starts at $7.99 per month.
International Viewers
In the United Kingdom, The Open Championship airs on Sky Sports Golf and is available on the BBC as part of the BBC's Open highlights agreement. In Australia, Fox Sports and Kayo carry coverage. In Ireland, Sky Sports Golf and RTE cover the championship. Check local listings for exact channel numbers and streaming availability.
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