NBC secures exclusive free-to-air rights for 154th Open Golf Championship

Golf fans across Papua New Guinea will be able to watch the world’s oldest and most prestigious golf, live and free following the broadcast acquisition by the National Broadcasting Corporation [NBC].

The public broadcaster announced today that it has secured the exclusive nationwide rights to televise the 154th Open Championship. The tournament will air live and free on NBC Channel 2.

The tournament returns to the famous Royal Birkdale links course in Southport, England, running from Thursday, July 16, to Sunday, July 19, 2026. The iconic venue has hosted the championship 11 times since 1954 and will once again see the world's elite golfers battle for the coveted Claret Jug.

NBC Managing Director Kora Nou said the acquisition underscores the corporation's ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier global sporting events to the people of Papua New Guinea.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Papua New Guinea's golfing community and sports fans in general to experience one of the world's greatest sporting events, live and free, right here on NBC Channel 2," Nou said.

"We encourage every household to get their Set-Top Box ready, and we call on our golf clubs and associations around the country to connect with their local NBC stations so no one misses out."

To ensure access to the high-definition digital broadcast, NBC has urged citizens nationwide to acquire and install a digital Set-Top Box [STB] ahead of the opening round. The STB is required to unlock NBC Channel 2's full free-to-air lineup.

The broadcaster has also called on local golf clubs, provincial associations, and enthusiasts to collaborate with their nearest NBC provincial stations to coordinate community viewing sessions and promote awareness.

The live coverage [in local time] is scheduled across the four days of competition as follows:

Thursday, July 16: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Friday, July 17: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Saturday, July 18: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Or end of play)

Sunday, July 19: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Including the final prize ceremony)

Coverage of the championship begins on the morning of Thursday, July 16, exclusively on NBC Channel 2.