The 153rd Open Championship, commonly known as the British Open, is set to take place from July 17-20, 2025, at the iconic Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. As the final men’s major of the 2025 golf season, this prestigious tournament promises thrilling competition on the Dunluce Links, with players vying for the coveted Claret Jug. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the event and the schedule, tailored for golf enthusiasts visiting nriglobe.com.
Event Overview
The British Open, the oldest golf championship in the world dating back to 1860, returns to Royal Portrush for the third time in its history, following memorable editions in 1951 and 2019. The 2024 champion, Xander Schauffele, will defend his title against a star-studded field, including World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Masters champion Rory McIlroy, who will be eager to perform in his home country. The Dunluce Links is renowned for its challenging layout, with holes like the fourth, fifth, and sixteenth expected to test the world’s best golfers.
How to Watch the British Open 2025
Golf fans can catch every moment of the 153rd Open Championship through a variety of broadcast and streaming options. In the United States, coverage will be provided across NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel, and Peacock, with nearly 200 hours of live action planned. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will offer extensive coverage, including practice rounds, interviews, and on-the-range footage.
U.S. Viewing Options
- TV Channels: NBC, USA Network, and Golf Channel will broadcast live coverage. DIRECTV subscribers can enjoy enhanced 4K HDR coverage, featuring leaderboards, player bios, and select hole highlights.
- Streaming: Peacock will stream live coverage, including featured groups and a dedicated feed for iconic holes like the par-3 fifth, known for its dramatic coastal views. Streaming is also available via the NBC Sports App and GolfChannel.com for authenticated users.
- Coverage Highlights: Expect morning and afternoon featured group streams, as well as special coverage of key holes, ensuring fans don’t miss critical moments.
U.K. Viewing Options
- TV Channels: Sky Sports will provide wall-to-wall coverage, including pre-tournament practice days and post-round analysis.
- Streaming: The Open’s official website and app may offer additional streams, such as final qualifying rounds and select coverage, for U.K. viewers.
International Viewing
For global audiences, check local listings for broadcasters covering The Open Championship. In regions like India, streaming platforms and sports networks like ESPN may provide access, though specific details for 2025 are forthcoming.
British Open 2025 Schedule
The tournament runs from Thursday, July 17, to Sunday, July 20, 2025, with practice rounds and pre-tournament coverage starting earlier in the week (July 13-16). Below is the tentative schedule for live coverage in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), based on available information. Note that U.K. times are five hours ahead (BST).
Weekly Schedule (All Times EDT)
- Sunday, July 13 – Wednesday, July 16:
- Thursday, July 17 – Friday, July 18 (Rounds 1 and 2):
- Saturday, July 19 (Round 3):
- 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Early coverage on USA Network and Peacock.
- 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Main coverage on NBC and Sky Sports.
- Featured group streams on Peacock throughout the day.
- Sunday, July 20 (Final Round):
- 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM: Early coverage on USA Network and Peacock.
- 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Main coverage on NBC and Sky Sports.
- Post-round ceremony and analysis on Golf Channel and Sky Sports.
Note: Featured groups and specific tee times will be announced closer to the event. Check The Open’s official website or NBC Sports for updates.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Xander Schauffele’s Defense: After his 2024 victory at Royal Troon, Schauffele aims to join Harry Vardon as one of the few to win multiple Claret Jugs.
- Rory McIlroy’s Homecoming: The Northern Irishman, who missed the cut at Royal Portrush in 2019, returns as a grand slam winner, chasing redemption.
- Scottie Scheffler’s Dominance: The World No. 1 looks to add another major to his resume after a strong 2025 season.
- Emerging Stars: Keep an eye on players like J.J. Spaun, the 2025 U.S. Open champion, who could create another Cinderella story.
Why Royal Portrush?
Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links is celebrated for its rugged beauty and challenging design. The course has hosted iconic moments, such as Shane Lowry’s emotional 2019 victory. Fans should watch for the notorious fifth hole, “White Rocks,” and the sixteenth, “Calamity Corner,” which could prove decisive.
How to Stay Updated
For the latest news, tee times, and featured group announcements, visit:
- The Open Championship’s official website (theopen.com).
- NBC Sports (nbcsports.com) or Golf Channel (golfchannel.com) for U.S. viewers.
- Sky Sports (skysports.com) for U.K. viewers.
- Follow @TheOpen on X for real-time updates and highlights.
Don’t miss the drama and tradition of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, where history will be made from July 17-20, 2025. Tune in to NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel, Peacock, or Sky Sports to catch every swing, putt, and defining moment of golf’s oldest major.
