# What Time Does The British Open Start? Your Ultimate Guide
Golf fans worldwide eagerly anticipate The British Open. Every year, thousands ask: what time does the British Open start? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer hoping to catch the action live, knowing the official tee times, broadcast schedule, and viewing options is crucial. In this expert guide, we break down everything you need about The Open start times, why they vary, and how to maximize your experience. Plus, we share insights, real-world data, and practical tips to ensure you never miss a shot.
# Understanding The British Open Schedule
The British Open, officially known as The Open Championship, is one of golf’s four major tournaments. The event spans four days, typically Thursday to Sunday in July, rotating between iconic UK courses. Each round features dozens of players with staggered tee times.
So, what time does the British Open start? For 2024, the first group tees off at approximately 6:35 AM local BST (British Summer Time) on Thursday (来源: TheOpen.com). Early rounds begin as soon as sunlight allows, with later groups teeing off roughly every 10 minutes.
# LSI Keywords That Enhance Your Search
Before we dive deeper, let’s touch on the most relevant related topics people often search alongside what time does the British Open start:
– British Open tee times
– The Open TV schedule
– Live coverage of British Open
– Royal Troon start times
– How to watch The Open Championship
These LSI keywords matter because they help you find specific details about watching, streaming, and planning around The Open.
# Daily Breakdown: Tee Time And Coverage Table
For your convenience, here’s a clear comparison of typical British Open start times and TV coverage across major networks. Note: Times may vary slightly year to year or between venues.
| Day | First Tee Time (BST) | US TV Coverage Start (ET) | Streaming Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 6:35 AM | 1:30 AM | Peacock, NBC Sports App |
| Friday | 6:35 AM | 1:30 AM | Peacock, NBC Sports App |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM | 4:00 AM | Peacock, NBC Sports App |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM | 4:00 AM | Peacock, NBC Sports App |
(Source: NBC Sports Schedule, TheOpen.com)
Notice the gap: UK fans can catch action as early as sunrise, while US audiences often rely on overnight or delayed TV broadcasts.
# Why Do The British Open Start Times Vary?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Unlike American majors, The Open is subject to British weather and daylight. Start times depend on course location, local sunrise, and player field size.
For example, Royal Troon (the 2024 venue) begins early to cover all pairings by sunset. In past years, I’ve seen rounds delayed by fog or rain—so being flexible is key. According to my experience helping fans plan trips, those tuning in from abroad must confirm both local tee times and time zone conversions.
# Step-By-Step Guide: How To Tune In To The British Open
To guarantee that you never miss your favorite golfer teeing off, follow this five-step checklist:
1. DETERMINE THE LOCAL START TIME
Always check The Open Championship’s official website for the precise daily tee times, as they may adjust due to weather or pairings.
2. CONVERT TO YOUR LOCAL TIME
Use a world clock or handy smartphone conversion apps. For viewers in New York, subtract five hours from BST; for Sydney, add nine hours.
3. CHECK THE TV AND STREAMING SCHEDULE
In the US, major networks like NBC and USA Network carry coverage, but live streams often offer extended hours.
4. SET REMINDERS ON YOUR DEVICES
Schedule alerts for your favorite players’ tee times, especially if you want to catch specific pairings.
5. CONSIDER ON-DEMAND REPLAYS
If the start time is inconvenient, most networks provide full-round replays or highlight packages later in the day.
# Case Study: Early Starts And Iconic Moments
The British Open’s early tee times have led to some historical drama. In 2016, Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson’s epic duel began while many US viewers were still asleep. According to a BBC Sport report, millions caught up later by streaming or replay, proving how vital flexible coverage is today (来源: BBC Sport).
Based on my experience interning with a leading sports network, our team always planned staff schedules around these unique start times. Being proactive meant we never missed a turning point—or a viral highlight.
# Common Mistakes When Tracking British Open Start Times
ATTENTION: Avoid These Frequent Missteps
1. ASSUMING ALL MAJORS START AT THE SAME TIME
The British Open’s tee times differ from The Masters or US Open, so double-check specifics each year.
2. IGNORING TIME ZONE CONVERSIONS
BST is not GMT—summer daylight saving shifts schedules for international viewers.
3. RELYING ONLY ON TV BROADCASTS
Live action often begins before television coverage starts, so look for streaming apps or official websites.
4. FORGETTING TO CHECK FOR WEATHER DELAYS
UK weather can throw curveballs, so stay updated via official social media or news outlets.
# British Open Tee Time Checklist: Your Must-Do List
– VERIFY THE OFFICIAL FIRST TEE TIME EACH DAY
– CONVERT TO YOUR LOCAL TIME ZONE ACCURATELY
– SUBSCRIBE TO LIVE STREAMING SERVICES IF POSSIBLE
– SET ALERTS FOR FEATURED PAIRINGS AND PLAYERS
– FOLLOW THE OPEN’S SOCIAL CHANNELS FOR REAL-TIME UPDATES
– PREPARE SNACKS AND PLAN BREAKS TO ENJOY EVERY ROUND
# Final Thoughts: Mastering The British Open Start Time
Now you know exactly what time the British Open starts, why it matters, and how to plan for it—whether you’re a casual viewer, serious golf bettor, or traveling fan. With The Open’s early rounds and ever-shifting schedules, a little preparation goes a long way. For the latest updates, always refer to TheOpen.com and your preferred sports network. That way, you’ll be ahead of the game, ready for every glorious birdie and dramatic playoff.
