CBS Sports outlines broadcast logistics for 2026 Open Championship second round
Live coverage of Round 2 at Royal Birkdale is scheduled for Friday, with streaming and television windows confirmed by the broadcaster.
CBS Sports has released the broadcast schedule for the second round of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. The event marks the first time the venue has hosted the tournament in nine years, with the R&A seeking to crown a new Champion Golfer of the Year. The field comprises 156 golfers, all aiming to position themselves for the weekend rounds that will determine the final standings.
Live coverage of the second round is scheduled for Friday, with streaming available on Peacock from 1:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and television coverage on USA Network from 4 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The broadcaster is providing comprehensive live coverage of the event, ensuring viewers can follow the action from start to finish.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler entered the tournament as the favourite and has completed 18 holes, demonstrating his capacity to defend his crown. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, who began the tournament as the second favourite, struggled during the first round against the challenging conditions at Birkdale. McIlroy is now seeking to reach the cut line as the tournament progresses.
English golfers have emerged as a focal point for the home crowd, with the national team unable to bring the World Cup back across the pond. Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose are highlighted as key contenders for England, aiming to secure a victory for their country for the first time since 1992.
Despite the high expectations, few English players have taken full advantage of the conditions so far. Daniel Brown and Jordan Smith are currently positioned closest to the top of the leaderboard among the home contingent. Other English players, including Matt Wallace, Tyrrell Hatton, and Alex Fitzpatrick, have opportunities to make headway in the second round.
