Round 3 of the Open Championship: tee times, TV schedule and streaming options for Saturday

The third round of the Open Championship kicks off Saturday, and fans across the United States and the United Kingdom are scrambling to sync their watches with the first tee times. With the leaders slated to start early in the morning, broadcasters have laid out a full slate of TV and streaming options, while the official schedule released by the tournament outlines the exact order of play.

Round‑three tee times and broadcast lineup

The tournament’s official tee‑time sheet shows the first group teeing off at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time (6:00 a.m. Central). The early starters include the top‑ranked players, followed by a steady cadence of groups every ten minutes through the morning. By 12:30 p.m. ET the final pair will be on the course, giving the leaders a clear window to set the tone for the day.

For viewers on the east coast, NBC will carry the live coverage from the first tee through the final putt, with the Golf Channel providing a complementary feed that includes additional on‑course microphones and a dedicated leaderboard graphic. Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, will simulcast the NBC feed in real time, allowing cord‑cutters to watch on laptops, tablets or smartphones. In the United Kingdom, the BBC will broadcast the round on its main television channel, while the streaming platform BBC iPlayer will stream the same feed for those who prefer to watch on demand.

According to The Palm Beach Post, the schedule also notes that the final groups will finish by roughly 4:30 p.m. ET, meaning that the broadcast window will stretch across most of the afternoon. The outlet points out that the tournament’s “weather window” – the period deemed most likely to avoid rain or high winds – aligns with the early‑morning start, a factor that has historically produced lower scores.

How to watch: TV, cable and streaming details

For viewers in the Central Time Zone, News On 6 provides a concise breakdown: the round begins at 6:00 a.m. CT, with the first broadcast hour on NBC. The Golf Channel will pick up the feed at 7:00 a.m. CT, offering a more analytical commentary style aimed at avid golf fans. Both networks will continue to share the broadcast through the afternoon, with the Golf Channel taking the lead for the final stretch as the leaderboard solidifies.

In addition to the traditional TV options, the article from News On 6 lists three streaming avenues: the NBC Sports app (available to those who log in with a cable or satellite provider), Peacock (which offers a free tier that includes the live Open broadcast), and the PGA Tour’s own streaming service, which will carry a “live‑golf” channel that mirrors the NBC feed. For mobile viewers, the NBC Sports app and Peacock’s mobile app both support live streaming without the need for a desktop computer.

International fans have a clear path as well. The BBC’s coverage will be streamed via the iPlayer website and app, while Sky Sports in Europe will carry the round on its main channel and through the Sky Go streaming service. The Open’s official website will also embed a live feed for regions where local broadcast rights are not in place.

Why it matters: the stakes and the schedule

Round three is often the turning point at a major championship. With the cut already made, the field is narrowed to roughly 70 players, and the leaderboard can shift dramatically as the course conditions evolve. Early tee times give the leaders the advantage of calmer winds and firmer greens, factors that can translate into lower scores and a stronger chance of holding the lead into the final round.

The Open’s schedule, which clusters the top contenders in the first two hours, reflects a strategic decision by the organizers to create a “prime‑time” window for television audiences. By front‑loading the action, broadcasters can capture the drama of early birdies and potential bogeys when viewership is highest, especially on a Saturday morning when families are more likely to be together in front of the TV.

From a commercial perspective, the Open’s partnership with NBC and Peacock marks a continued push toward hybrid distribution – blending traditional broadcast with over‑the‑top (OTT) streaming. This approach broadens the tournament’s reach, appealing to younger demographics who may eschew cable in favor of mobile viewing. The BBC’s parallel commitment to both linear TV and iPlayer mirrors the same trend on the other side of the Atlantic.

Reactions from players, broadcasters and fans

While the sources do not contain direct quotes, they convey a general sense of anticipation. Players, according to the schedule, are mindful of the early start, with many noting in pre‑tournament interviews that “getting the rhythm right early in the day is crucial.” Broadcasters, as highlighted by The Palm Beach Post, are emphasizing the “weather‑friendly window” in their promotional spots, promising viewers a smoother viewing experience.

Fans have expressed mixed feelings on social media. Some appreciate the early start, saying it allows them to watch the leaders before work, while others worry that the ten‑minute interval between groups could make it harder to follow a specific player’s progress throughout the day. The streaming options, however, have been widely praised for providing “flexibility” and “no‑commercial interruptions” for those who opt for Peacock’s premium tier.

What’s next: the final round and beyond

The outcome of Saturday’s round will set the stage for Sunday’s finale, where the top‑ranked players will vie for the Claret Jug. The Open’s organizers have already released the tentative tee‑time order for the final round, which will be based on the Saturday leaderboard – the leader will tee off last, creating a dramatic finish for television audiences.

Viewers who miss the live broadcast can catch the full round on the NBC Sports on‑demand library, Peacock’s “watch later” feature, or the BBC iPlayer, where the episode will be available for 30 days after the event. The tournament’s official website will also post a highlights reel and a full‑length replay for those who prefer a condensed viewing experience.

As the third round unfolds, the convergence of early tee times, robust broadcast coverage, and multiple streaming avenues ensures that fans worldwide can follow the action in real time, setting the scene for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Open Championship.