While the love for the game of golf knows no boundaries, we’re well aware this isn’t necessarily the case with broadcast access. Whether you lack a subscription to a cable service provider, live in an area without a golf-friendly sports bar, or have other hurdles standing in your way, it’s not always easy to satisfy your craving for golf. We understand your plight, so to help, we’ve compiled this simple walkthrough for streaming each round of the upcoming US Open. Put on your favorite newsboy hat and practice your fist pumps, here’s your (digital) entry to Chambers Bay and the 2015 US Open.
Fox Sports Go
(Web | iOS | Android)
Not only
is the 2015 US Open Fox Sports’ first foray into the realm of golf coverage, but the network plans to fork over an astounding $100 million per year for the rights to air USGA coverage. Fox’s massive investment brings a host of unique coverage to golf fans, including drone flyovers, RC cars outfitted with HD cameras, and state-of-the-art rail cams.
To view this new broadcast, fans simply need to visit Fox’s Fox Sports Go online streaming client and sign in with a compatible cable service provider. Fox intends to broadcast each round of the four-day tournament, featuring streams dedicated to the 12th and 15th holes, as well as each day’s featured group. Fans also have access to a new show called US Open 360 which brings viewers behind-the-scenes, and so-called “inside-the-ropes” footage.
US Open online stream
(Web | iOS | Android)
The US Open
‘s dedicated website also plans to stream live coverage from Chambers Bay, offering the same web-based, iOS, and Android access of Fox Sports Go. With the US Open partnering with Fox for broadcast rights, it intends to air similar streams of the 12th and 15th holes, a new featured group for every round, and the new US Open 360 broadcast. One of the big differences to Fox Sports Go is the US Open online stream doesn’t require viewers sync a compatible cable service provider to the site, offering the daily streams free of charge.
PlayStation Vue
Sony
recently joined the cordcutting movement and now offers subscriptions for its own version of an online streaming service. Called PlayStation Vue, subscribers to the service gain broadcast access to channels like NBC, Fox, CBS, TNT, and a host of other top-tier networks. Vue does cost $50 per month for access, but with Fox slated to broadcast the entirety of the US Open, it remains a solid option for catching all of the weekend’s action.
Other resources
Golf subreddit
An incredible website for information about literally anything, Reddit touts more than enough golf and US Open-specific information to satisfy any fan of the sport. With tournament coverage on tap for the weekend, expect loads of content related to a host of golfers including interviews, course videos, and hilarious memes. Reddit’s loyal user base generates the site’s wealth of content. During each round, you’ll find plenty of golf-themed stories, chat threads, and even alternative streaming sites.
While Reddit is a fantastic resource for getting your fill of the 2015 US Open, it’s entirely too easy to waste whole weekends poking around the rest of the site. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
ESPN Golfcast
Though not a video option, ESPN regularly offers its signature play-by-play Gamecast presentation for the duration of the US Open. Simply head over to the golf scoreboard page via the ESPN website and click on the US Open scoreboard link. This feature shows real-time events including every made putt, water hazard, and long drive. Gamecast also lists each golfer’s card, highlight videos, and what’s trending via the social media site Twitter.
Questionable streaming sites
Keep in mind most of the illegal streaming options available come loaded with unwanted spam and a barrage of pop-up windows. Leaning on such links tends to be frustrating, particularly when it comes to finding quality video and audio feeds with little buffering.
Again, you must keep in mind many of these sites illegally broadcast the content, and your computer remains at a high risk of malware when using them. Nevertheless, you’ll notice the deep selection of links available to you once you find an adequate streaming site on the Web. Many sites — though technically legal given they only provide links to various broadcast streams instead of broadcasting the copyrighted content — fall within the gray areas of the law.
Note: As a rule of thumb, never click on any link which asks you to download any HD Players, update your streaming software, or to install any “required” media players. These are often just spam links that could infect your computer with viruses.
