NBC Sports Group is preparing to make broadcasting history at The 145th Open, delivering an unprecedented amount of live coverage that will surpass any previous major championship telecast.
The media partnership between The R&A and NBC Sports Group will produce nearly 140 hours of television coverage from Royal Troon Golf Club, representing a landmark moment for golf broadcasting. This extensive coverage will mark Golf Channel's first-ever telecast of a men's major championship.
"The unprecedented coverage of The Open will provide a unique showcase of the world's best golfers on an iconic links course, navigating the often dramatic weather conditions and ultimately adding to the history that embodies golf's original championship," said Mike McCarley, President, Golf, NBC Sports Group. "We're honored to provide complete coverage of The Open for the first time on Golf Channel and NBC. Fans will be able to see the opening tee shot through the final putt, culminating with the 'Champion Golfer of the Year' raising the Claret Jug."
The comprehensive coverage plan includes 49.5 live hours of tournament coverage from July 14-17. Golf Channel will provide 14.5 live hours during each of the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday, while Saturday's third round will feature 10.5 live hours across Golf Channel and NBC. The final round on Sunday will receive 10 live hours of coverage across both networks.
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "We are delighted to be working with NBC Sports Group and are looking forward to their comprehensive coverage of The 145th Open," said Slumbers. "Our fans in the United States will be able to enjoy every shot over the four days of the Championship and will be part of a true celebration of golf at Royal Troon."
The total 78.5 hours of coverage will include live tournament action, highlight specials on NBC from 4-6 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday, and encore presentations of each round on Golf Channel. All coverage will be available via NBC Sports Live Extra and Golf Live Extra streaming platforms.
Golf Channel's news programming will contribute an additional 59 hours of coverage through Morning Drive and Golf Central Live From The Open. Golf Central will broadcast 25.5 live hours from Royal Troon throughout the week, while Morning Drive will launch coverage from 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. ET before the first round.
The broadcasting team will feature rotating lead analysts in the 18th tower, including Johnny Miller, the 1976 Open Champion, Nick Faldo, who won The Open in 1987, 1990, and 1992, and Frank Nobilo. The extensive analyst roster includes David Feherty, Peter Jacobson, Gary Koch, Roger Maltbie, Mark Rolfing, Tom Abbott, Notah Begay, Billy Ray Brown, Curt Byrum, and Jerry Foltz.
Dan Hicks, Terry Gannon, Jimmy Roberts, Steve Sands, and Todd Lewis will handle announcing and reporting duties throughout the championship.
Royal Troon will be hosting The Open for the ninth time in its history, providing a historic backdrop for this broadcasting milestone. The coverage represents the beginning of NBC Sports' three-week stretch of consecutive R&A events, which will continue with The Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex from July 21-24, and the RICOH Women's British Open from July 28-31.
