Top Storylines and How To Watch the British Open 2026 at Royal Birkdale
Golf’s fourth and final major of the year features a talented field competing for one of the most prestigious trophies in sports. Here’s a preview and how to watch with Sling.
Anglophile’s take note: the 154th playing of The Open Championship (aka The British Open) could cap one of the biggest weeks in the history of English sports. Depending on the results of the semifinal against Argentina, England could find itself playing for a World Cup title just an hour after the Claret Jug is awarded to the winner of The Open. UPDATE: England did not win, so an Englishman taking The Open could really boost their spirits.
Regardless of World Cup results, The Open always provides some of the most dramatic moments on the PGA calendar. This year’s tournament will be held at Royal Birkdale, one of the most admired links courses in the world. Royal Birkdale has hosted 10 previous Open Championships, most recently in 2017 when Jordan Spieth staged a dramatic final-round rally, famously saving bogey from the driving range on the 13th hole before going on a birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie tear to win. It was also the site of “The Concession,” an iconic moment of sportsmanship when Jack Nicklaus conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin to end the 1969 Ryder Cup.
A historic course. The world’s best golfers. A Sunday that England supporters may never forget. Sports fans are in for a special weekend when the 2026 Open Championship gets underway Thursday, July 16. Here’s a preview and how to watch all of the action with Sling.
How to Watch the 2026 British Open with Sling
https://youtu.be/ikRB_Jcvzm0?si=g0yErt2k-NYxv0vi
Coverage of The Open Championship will be broadcast on NBC and USA Network. USA is available on Sling with a subscription to Sling Blue, while NBC is available to Sling Blue or Select subscribers in the markets listed below:
To watch the 2026 British Open on USA Network and, in designated markets, NBC, use the link below to subscribe to Sling Blue.
The Open Championship TV Schedule
All times Eastern
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.
The Open Championship Storylines
https://youtu.be/MzEP3zZlsUY?si=4LHmsETsMPMUG6f6
The final major of the men's golf season at Royal Birkdale is packed with high-stakes drama, heavy emotional weight, and historic milestones. The five most compelling storylines shaping this year's championship include:
Tommy Fleetwood’s Southport Homecoming
For local Southport hero Tommy Fleetwood, this tournament is the fulfillment of a boyhood dream. Fleetwood grew up just down the road, snuck onto the course as a kid, and attended his first Open at Royal Birkdale as a seven-year-old spectator in 1998. Now ranked No. 9 in the world, he returns as a hometown favorite searching for his first career major victory. Backed by a massive local crowd, Fleetwood aims to translate his passionate home support into positive competitive fuel.
Scottie Scheffler’s Quest to Defend
Scottie Scheffler dominated the field last year to win 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 missed cut in nearly four years. The World No. 1 is 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 as the back-to-back Masters champion. While he has flirted with Open success multiple times since winning his first Claret Jug in 2014, McIlroy is hunting for a victory that would boost his legacy even more. A win this week would make him only the 12th golfer in history to win seven or more major championships.
Joe Dean's "Cinderella" Last-Chance Entry
In one of the most heartwarming stories 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 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.
England's Quest to Break the 34-Year Drought
An English-born golfer has not won the Open Championship since Nick Faldo claimed his third title in 1992. This year represents one of England's strongest chances to break the dry spell on home soil, featuring a formidable lineup. Alongside Fleetwood, 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, then the Three Lions secure their first international championship in 60 years, July 19 will go down as one of the biggest sporting days in the nation’s proud history.
The Open Championship Odds
https://youtu.be/w45aBeH16Mg?si=qxXgdvlj3zaNyl4d
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