Winning the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale is on every golfer’s bucket list but only one can tick it off at the year’s fourth and final major.

The world’s best players will be pushed to their limits as the Open returns to the hilly links of the iconic Southport course for an 11th time.

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler won the event at Royal Portrush in 2025. He and Rory McIlroy tee off for Thursday’s opening round among the favourites.

Links golf is a very different test to most of the events on the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and even the DP World Tour – and those that fail to adapt will see their hopes dashed.

It’s one of the greatest weeks in the British sporting calendar and there is extensive coverage throughout for UK fans.

Radio Times brings you all the details about how to watch The Open 2026.

How to watch The Open 2026 on TV and live stream

You can watch The Open 2026 live on Sky Sports from Thursday 16 July 2026 until the final round on Sunday 19 July 2026.

Coverage of play begins at 6:30pm UK time on the first two days, from 8am on Saturday and 9am on Sunday. The full schedule can be found below.

Sky Sports can be added to any Sky TV package for just £20 per month for all nine sports channels, or you can pick up the complete sports package plus Netflix for £35 per month.

Sky Sports customers can live stream the tournament via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices including most smartphones and tablets as part of their subscription.

You can also watch the action via NOW with a day membership (£14.99) or month membership (£34.99).

NOW can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs, phones and consoles. NOW is also available via TNT Sports.

The Open 2026 schedule

All UK time. Live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Golf and NOW

Thursday 16 July

  • Coverage from 6:30am

Friday 17 July

  • Coverage from 6:30am

Saturday 18 July

  • Coverage from 9am

Sunday 19 July

  • Coverage from 8am

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Ned Holmes, smiling against a lime green background.

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.