GUIDE: How to watch the Open Championship on TV, Streaming and more
Just like that, we are at the end of golf’s major season, but not to worry, there is one final four-day stint that will captivate fans across the globe. The coveted Claret Jug is on the line, and the world’s best golfers are descending on Royal Troon golf course in Scotland to stake their claim for it. We have had an overflow of drama, heartbreak, and nail-biting action so far this season, perfectly setting up The Open Championship as the fourth and final major of the season.
This article will make sure you have all the information needed to prepare yourself for the action, from starting times, to course details and betting favorites. Let’s get into it.
Key information:
- Dates: July 18-21, 2024
- Location: Royal Troon Golf Club, Scotland
- Previous Winner: Brian Harman
- TV and Streaming Rights: NBC, Golf Channel, USA Network, and Peacock
Detailed information on viewing options
Cable and Satellite Services
The best and most extensive way to watch the Open Championship is via the Peacock streaming service, however, there are still plenty of benefits to going down the cable or satellite route. These can offer a vast array of channels that will upgrade your overall viewing experience, whilst still letting you tune into the action at Royal Troon.
These traditional methods present extensive channel packages that are very appealing, with most services offering the NBC and the USA Network channels needed to watch the golf. The costs are quite high, but you will also be able to tune into a long list of other channels that feature sports, news, entertainment, and movies.
- Cox: $61.00–$152.00/mo.
- DirecTV: $69.99–$159.99/mo
- Dish: $84.99-$114.99
- Verizon Fios: $69.00–$129.00/mo.
Streaming Services
If you want a slightly more flexible viewing option, then a streaming service may well be the way to go. These range in price from $5.99 a month up to $79.99 a month, catering to all your television viewing needs. Services like FuboTV ($79.99 per month), Hulu + Live TV ($76.99 per month) YouTubeTV ($72.99 per month), and Sling TV ($55 per month) all offer NBC, USA Network, and the Golf Channel.
In addition to endless golfing action, these packages also feature countless other sports and entertainment channels. You certainly do get a lot of bang for your buck with any of the streaming services we just mentioned, but for those who are only interested in golf, there is a cheaper option that does the job just fine.
For just $5.99 a month (with ads) you will have access to every swing of The Open Championship, with extensive analysis and replays. This package will also provide you access to a host of other sports and entertainment. These include Premier League football and the Summer Olympics, as well as TV classics such as Suits and The Office. Read our Peacock review here: https://www.livesportsontv.com/news/peacock-review-plans-availability-and-sports-rights
How to Watch for Free
With the Open Championship running across just four days, savvy viewers can utilize free trials in order to access the tournament for free. Whilst they are becoming a bit harder to find, the likes of DirecTV and Fubo are currently offering 5 and 7-day free trials respectively. By signing up for one of these just before the tournament starts, you will be able to watch the whole thing without spending a penny. However, it is important to remember to cancel the trial before it ends in order to avoid paying the full monthly fee.
Alternatively, you could consider using an over-the-air antenna to watch the tournament. Purchasing the antenna will incur a small cost of around $30, but, if you are in coverage of an NBC station, you will be able to enjoy the Open Championship. You then have an antenna to use for other events in the future.
Tournament & Course Information
This week’s Open Championship provides the world’s best golfers their last opportunity to win a major in 2024. This edition of the famous tournament is taking place at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. Established in 1878, this course is famous for its rugged coastal terrain and deep bunkers, with the unpredictable wind often playing a major part in proceedings as well.
For The Open, the course will be a par 71, stretching 7,385 yards, with a front nine that takes you along the coast, and a back 9 that returns inland. One of the most famous holes at Royal Troon is the par-3 8th, which has affectionately been named ‘The Postage Stamp’. The flag may only be 123 yards away, but a tiny green and deep surrounding bunkers make it a daunting target.
Another hole to keep an eye out for is the par 4 11th, named ‘The Railway’. This is a long hole running parallel to a railway line, testing the golfer’s accuracy with lots of out-of-bounds areas to avoid. It is the hardest on the course and, arguably, one of the hardest in professional golf.
Preview & Predictions
As always, world number one Scottie Scheffler is the heavy favorite according to Bet MGM. Odds of +550 reflect his chances as the most likely winner, but he could only manage a 41st-place finish at the last major in June. Rory McIlroy is the second favorite at +750, looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking finish to the US Open. Two short missed putts meant that his 10-year major drought continued. It was a devastating end to the week for Rory, but he did prove once again that he is still one of the best in the world and very much in with a shot this week.
The winners of the last two majors are in hot pursuit, with Xander Schuffele sitting as third favorite with odds of +1200 and Bryson DeChambeau priced at +1800. They have been two of the hottest golfers in the world this year and it would be a surprise to not see them in the top 10.
If you’re looking for big prices, Adam Scott is an attractive price at +5000 on Bet MGM. He flew over early to compete in the Genesis last weekend and only narrowly missed out. The former Masters Champion hasn’t won in a fair while, but that second-place finish is great preparation for his trip around Troon. The man who beat him, local hero Robert MacIntrye, comes in at +3300. He would instantly become a Scottish legend if he backed up last week’s win with an Open Championship.
Author: Venuse, Inc.