RBC Canadian Open 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Watching Round 1

Alright, golf fanatics, buckle up. The 2026 RBC Canadian Open is kicking off, and TPC Toronto is the stage. If you want to catch all the action from the get-go, you need the intel. We’re talking TV times, streaming deets, and who’s teeing off when. No more scrambling around trying to find where to watch. This is your one-stop shop for Thursday’s first round. Let’s get into it.

The Big Picture: What’s Happening and Who’s Playing

So, the RBC Canadian Open is underway. It’s a big one, and you can bet the drama will be high. We’ve seen some serious talent light up the PGA Tour season already, and guys are looking to make their mark here. Take Collin Morikawa, for instance. He started the year on fire, snagging wins and showing up strong in majors. But lately? A couple of finishes that weren’t exactly stellar. Now he’s here, at the Canadian Open, looking to get back into that winning groove. You know he’s going to be hungry. And that’s just one storyline. There are plenty of other big names you’ll want to keep an eye on as they battle it out on Thursday.

The course itself, TPC Toronto, is no walk in the park. It’s going to test every part of a player’s game. We’ll see who thrives under pressure and who crumbles. It’s always a good watch when the stakes are this high and the competition is this fierce. Remember, every shot counts from the very first tee. Especially on Thursday. You don’t want to dig yourself into a hole early in a tournament like this. The players know it, and you should too.

Your Viewing Options: TV and Streaming Deets

Now, how do you actually watch this thing? It’s not like you can just flip on any channel and expect to see it. You’ve got options, and you need to know them. For the traditionalists, the Golf Channel is your go-to for TV coverage. They’ll be broadcasting the first round starting at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday. So, if you’ve got cable or satellite and the Golf Channel package, mark your calendars. That’s your prime time for watching the action unfold.

But what if you’re more of a digital native? Or maybe you want to catch the early action before the main TV broadcast? That’s where PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ comes in. They’re offering exclusive early streaming coverage that kicks off at a brutal but necessary 7 a.m. Eastern Time. Yeah, early. But that’s when the real golf fans are tuning in. Plus, they’ll have featured group and featured hole coverage, so you can follow your favorite players more closely. If you’re not already subscribed to ESPN+, this might be the push you need. It’s a solid way to get your golf fix.

And for those of you who like to stream on the go or on your preferred device, The GOLF App is also carrying a simulcast of the Golf Channel’s TV coverage. So, if you’re out and about or just prefer using the app, you’re covered. It’s all about making it easy for you to watch. No excuses for missing out on the action.

Round 1 Tee Times: Who’s Out When?

This is where things get really specific. You need to know who’s hitting the links and when, especially if you’re trying to catch a particular player or group. The tournament kicks off with early tee times, and they’re spread across two starting points: Tee No. 1 and Tee No. 10. Let’s break it down.

Starting bright and early at 7 a.m. from Tee No. 1, you’ve got groups like Ben Silverman, Matti Schmid, and Mac Meissner kicking things off. Then it rolls on with familiar names like Danny Willett, Justin Lower, and Hank Lebioda at 7:11 a.m. Keep an eye out for Tony Finau, who’s always a threat, teeing off at 7:33 a.m. with Michael Brennan and Garrick Higgo. Later in the morning, you’ll see guys like Billy Horschel and Chris Kirk at 7:55 a.m., and Lucas Glover at 8:06 a.m. The morning wave from Tee No. 1 wraps up around 9:01 a.m.

Then, things shift to the afternoon. Starting at 12:15 p.m. from Tee No. 1, you’ve got a solid group including Erik van Rooyen, Emiliano Grillo, and Padraig Harrington. A bit later, at 12:48 p.m., it’s Ryan Fox, Nick Taylor, and none other than Brooks Koepka. Wyndham Clark and Sam Burns are out at 12:59 p.m. And you’ve got Shane Lowry and Robert MacIntyre playing together at 1:10 p.m. The afternoon tee times from Tee No. 1 go until about 2:16 p.m.

But that’s only half the story. Over on Tee No. 10, the early action also kicks off at 7 a.m. with groups like Keith Mitchell, Kevin Roy, and Dylan Wu. You’ve got some seriously big names in the morning wave from this side too. At 7:33 a.m., it’s Aaron Rai, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Rose. Talk about a featured group right out of the gate! Then, at 7:44 a.m., it’s Tommy Fleetwood, Sahith Theegala, and Corey Conners. And don’t forget Matt Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland teeing off at 7:55 a.m. This morning session from Tee No. 10 is stacked.

The afternoon wave from Tee No. 10 also starts at 12:15 p.m. with Seamus Power, Chad Ramey, and Vince Whaley. You’ve got Max Homa playing at 12:59 p.m. with Steven Fisk and Jhonattan Vegas. Then, at 1:32 p.m., it’s Tom Kim and Jordan Smith, alongside Austin Eckroat. The final groups from Tee No. 10 are scheduled to go off around 2:27 p.m.

• Early Morning Starters (Tee 1): Look for names like Tony Finau, Billy Horschel, and Chris Kirk.
• Morning Feature Groups (Tee 10): Don’t miss Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Sahith Theegala, Corey Conners, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Viktor Hovland.
• Afternoon Buzz (Tee 1): Keep an eye on Brooks Koepka, Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns, Shane Lowry, and Robert MacIntyre.
• Late Afternoon Action (Tee 10): Max Homa, Tom Kim, and Jordan Smith are among those teeing off later.

It’s a lot to keep track of, I know. But that’s the beauty of it. You can pick and choose who you want to follow throughout the day. Whether you’re rooting for a comeback, a new star, or just want to see some incredible golf, the tee sheet has you covered.

Why This Tournament Matters

Look, every tournament on the PGA Tour is important, but the RBC Canadian Open has a special place. It’s the national open of Canada, and the players always get a warm reception. Beyond the pride and the prestige, though, it’s a crucial event for players looking to climb the rankings, secure their spot in future majors, or just get back into a winning rhythm. For guys like Morikawa, a strong performance here can set the tone for the rest of the season.

And let’s be honest, watching golf is just plain fun. The strategy, the skill, the drama – it’s all there. You get to see athletes perform at the absolute highest level, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a golf club. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer yourself or just enjoy watching incredible feats of athleticism, this tournament delivers.

The course at TPC Toronto is known for its challenges. It demands accuracy off the tee and precise iron play. The greens can be tricky, and the weather in Ontario can always throw a curveball. It’s the kind of course where the best players, who are mentally strong and technically sound, tend to rise to the top. You’ll see who can handle the pressure and execute under demanding conditions.

Getting Ready for Thursday

So, you’ve got the times, you know where to watch. What else do you need? Maybe just some snacks and a comfortable chair. Or, if you’re like me, you might be out on the course yourself. If you’re planning on playing, remember that getting your own game in shape is key. Practicing your drives, working on your approach shots, and honing your putting can make all the difference. For some tips on improving your game, you can always check out resources like Golf Distillery’s swing tips . Small improvements can lead to big results.

But for those of us who are purely spectators, it’s about soaking it all in. The storylines, the rivalries, the sheer talent on display. This isn’t just another tournament; it’s the start of something big at the RBC Canadian Open. Make sure you’re tuned in. You don’t want to be the one hearing about it later and wishing you’d watched.

The first round is where the foundation is laid for the entire week. It’s a crucial 18 holes that can set the tone, build momentum, or create early challenges. Watching how players navigate the course on Thursday gives you a real insight into their mindset and their strategy for the week ahead. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but that opening round is absolutely vital. So, set your alarms, get your streaming services ready, and prepare for a full day of top-tier golf action. It’s going to be a good one.