Favorable Conditions Expected for Open Championship Moving Day as Rain Chances Loom

As the 2026 Open Championship heads into the third round at Royal Birkdale, tournament organizers and players are keeping a close eye on the skies off the Irish Sea. The weather has been largely cooperative through the first two rounds, resulting in historic scoring performances. Notably, Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns both carded 62s, setting a major championship record during ideal conditions.

While the picturesque weather is expected to mostly persist for the Saturday round, Accuweather indicates a shift in patterns. There is a 55% probability of precipitation affecting play for roughly an hour during Round 3. Temperatures are forecasted to reach a high of 74 degrees with a low of 52. Additionally, golfers will face a northwest wind with gusts reaching 21 mph. While rain is possible, it is not expected to be heavy enough to halt play unless accompanied by unsafe thunderstorms. The wind, however, is likely to complicate scoring on the greens.

Media coverage for the remaining rounds continues across major broadcast and digital platforms. Comcast Corporation, through its NBC and USA Network properties, provides extensive television coverage. USA Network will air the early action on Saturday from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. ET, followed by NBC from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. Sunday’s schedule shifts slightly, with USA Network broadcasting from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. and NBC continuing from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Streaming options remain robust for the weekend. Featured groups and hole coverage are available on Peacock, while the main broadcast can be accessed via Sling TV and Fubo. As of the latest market check, Comcast shares were trading at $23.79, reflecting a slight decline of 1.37%.

What to watch

• Third round broadcast coverage Saturday, July 18 on USA Network and NBC.
• Final round broadcast coverage Sunday, July 19.
• Weather impact on scoring conditions with potential rain and 21 mph wind gusts.

Source: original release