The 2026 British Open: Schedule, Storylines, and How to Watch

Key art for Golf Channel coverage of The Open Championship 2026.

Published On: July 14, 2026

Author: Mark Schiff

Anglophiles, take note: the 154th playing of The Open Championship could cap off the single most monumental week in English sporting history. Depending on how that high-stakes World Cup semifinal against Argentina shakes out, England could find itself playing for a global football title a mere hour after the legendary Claret Jug finds its new owner.

Even without the soccer drama, The Open routinely delivers the most captivating theater on the PGA calendar. This year, the chase heads to Royal Birkdale, a crown jewel of world-class links golf. Birkdale has played host to 10 previous Open Championships, most recently in 2017 when Jordan Spieth orchestrated a wild final-round charge—famously saving a miraculous bogey from the driving range on the 13th hole before going on a blistering birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie blitz to win. It was also the sacred ground that witnessed “The Concession,” the iconic moment of sportsmanship when Jack Nicklaus conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin to close out the 1969 Ryder Cup. A historic track, the planet's absolute best players, and a Sunday that England supporters may never forget. The chase begins Thursday, July 16, and here is your ultimate preview on how to catch all the action with DISH.

 

How to Watch the 2026 British Open

Coverage of The Open Championship will be broadcast on NBC (check your Guide for the local channel) and USA Network (Channel 105). USA Network is available with all DISH packages. Not a DISH subscriber? Use this link to find the right DISH package for you and subscribe today!

 

The Open Championship Schedule and Storylines

Thursday, July 16 (Round 1)

  • USA Network:

    • 4:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET: Main first-round coverage. 

Friday, July 17 (Round 2)

  • USA Network:

    • 4:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET: Main second-round coverage.

Saturday, July 18 (Round 3)

  • USA Network:

    • 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. ET: Early third-round coverage

  • NBC:

    • 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET: Main third-round coverage.

Sunday, July 19 (Round 4 / Final Round)

  • USA Network:

    • 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. ET: Early final-round coverage

  • NBC:

    • 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET: Main final-round coverage.

Tommy Fleetwood’s Southport Homecoming

For local Southport hero Tommy Fleetwood, stepping onto this tee fulfills a lifelong boyhood dream. Fleetwood grew up right down the road, spent his childhood sneaking past the fences, and watched his very first Open here as a wide-eyed seven-year-old spectator back in 1998. Now sitting comfortably at No. 9 in the world rankings, he returns as the ultimate hometown favorite hunting for his first career major victory. Backed by a massive, passionate local gallery, Fleetwood is primed to turn that intense home support into positive competitive fuel.

Scottie Scheffler’s Quest to Defend

Scottie Scheffler completely dominated the field last year to hoist his first Claret Jug at Royal Portrush. However, his preparation for Birkdale suffered a rare setback last week when he missed the cut at the Scottish Open—his first early exit in nearly four years. The World No. 1 is flying in highly motivated to bounce back and become the first player to successfully defend an Open Championship title since Padraig Harrington accomplished the feat 18 years ago (coincidentally, also at Royal Birkdale).

Rory McIlroy Chasing Major Number Seven

Rory McIlroy enters the week in fine form, operating with immense confidence as the back-to-back Masters champion. While he has flirted with Open success multiple times since capturing his first Claret Jug back in 2014, McIlroy is hunting for a victory that would boost his legacy even more. A win this week would launch him into an elite tier, making him only the 12th golfer in history to win seven or more major championships.

Joe Dean's Cinderella Last-Chance Entry

In what is easily the most heartwarming story of the week, 32-year-old English golfer Joe Dean won the inaugural Last Chance Qualifier on Monday to secure the 156th and final spot in the field. Dean, who famously delivered groceries for a supermarket chain for nearly four years during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to keep his professional golf dreams alive, returns to Birkdale where he tied for 70th as a young player back in 2017.

Breaking the 34-Year English Drought

An English-born golfer has not won the Open Championship since legendary Nick Faldo claimed his third title in 1992. This year represents one of England's absolute strongest chances to break the dry spell on home soil, featuring a formidable lineup. Alongside Fleetwood, local contenders include three-time PGA Tour season winner Matt Fitzpatrick, surprise PGA Champion Aaron Rai, veteran Justin Rose, and a fiery, in-form Tyrrell Hatton. If an Englishman wins The Open and the Three Lions secure their first international championship in 60 years, July 19 will solidify itself as one of the biggest sporting days in the nation’s proud history.

 

The Open Championship Odds

Via DraftKings as of July 14

Scottie Scheffler +650

Rory McIlroy +840

Matt Fitzpatrick +1800

Tommy Fleetwood +1900

Jon Rahm +1950

Xander Schauffele +2400

Chris Gotterup +2900

Cameron Young +3000