How to Watch The Open for Free

This year you can watch The Open for free on Thursday thanks to Now TV

How to Watch The Open for Free

The Open Championship is to be broadcast on pay TV for the first time in its history this year, but not until Friday.

The whole of the opening day's play at Royal Troon in the 145th Open will be broadcast live and free on Now TV.

The service allows you to take out Sky Sports day and week passes to watch your favourite sporting events without being tied down to a contract.

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Viewers can take advantage of a free day pass for Thursday which entitles them to a whole day of live golf from Royal Troon as the world's oldest golf major comes to town.

If you have Sky's Entertainment package you can also watch the opening day's play for free on Sky 1. Coverage begins at 6.35am.

Related: How to watch The Open without Sky TV

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A, said: “The way people consume televised sport is changing and it is very important that we appeal to a younger audience in particular.

“We are excited about the array of options that are available for fans of all ages to watch The Open this year and our aim is to give them an outstanding viewing experience.”

BBC had broadcast The Open for the last 60 years but last year cut their contract a year short so Sky stepped in.

Sky Sports 1 has today been replaced by 'Sky Sports The Open' as they ramp up their coverage where they'll be showing the first tee shot live for the first time ever.

There will also be cameras in the five greenside bunkers on Troon's 'Postage Stamp' 8th hole as well as a wire camera running the length of the 123-yard par-3. It will be only the second wire camera in golf after the one on TPC Sawgrass' 17th hole.