We’ve been talking about it for a while now, but the day is finally here: the 2023 US Open has finally started and that means television coverage is also taking shape. Unlike 1-3 hour events from the football, baseball or basketball worlds, we all know that televising a golf tournament is a Goliath undertaking as they last for hours throughout the day. Depending on the tournament and the clout behind it, there are various different avenues an event can take to put the majority of the tournament online.
As we’ve seen over the years, the coverage from The Masters is top-notch and about as comprehensive as you can get. While that isn’t the case for most tournaments – even the big ones – expanded coverage is definitely happening more and more; and with this year’s version of the US Open, there are plenty of ways to watch.
On the web or the app
First off, over at usopen.com, you can see the full viewing schedule laid out quite nicely. It makes it easy to sort what networks the main coverage will be on and even includes a few online feeds that will begin coming available between 11am and 12pm EST. Those feeds will be viewable both on the web and via the USGA app.
Peacock exclusive
If you want to get started right away, however, you’ll need to rely on NBC’s Peacock streaming service for that. You can view coverage via Peacock on the web, on your mobile device or even on streaming devices or smart TVs. This will require at least the basic $4.99/month plan, but you could sign up for it and cancel it right after if you simply want to view the US Open this week. For $4.99, having deeper access to early rounds is worth it.
USA Network
For midday coverage, you can start watching at 1PM EST on USA Network and supplement it with the Featured Groups and Featured Holes found on usopen.com or in the USGA app. And though it seems like 1PM is late to start seeing the US Open starting to appear on mainstream services, keep in mind that this tournament is on the west coast, so that 3-hour time difference is fully in play, here.
NBC
For the final hours of the first and second rounds, you’ll have NBC picking up coverage and for those of us on the east coast, it feels a little strange. NBC’s coverage will actually begin at 8PM where we are, so it will be very odd to be watching golf into the late parts of the evening for sure.
For the weekend, things simplify and coverage of the 2023 US Open is basically confined to NBC from 1PM to 11PM EST with additional access on Peacock off and on during those stretches. All in all, it’s pretty comprehensive coverage and for golf fans, there’s a ton to watch over the next four days. And as always, there will be small stories that bubble to the surface, and we’re here for all of it!