The Open Championships are some of golf’s most prestigious events, and millions tune in across the globe. For travelers, following the action becomes a balancing act. Between sightseeing, local logistics, and unfamiliar time zones, staying connected to the leaderboard and making timely wagers can feel tricky.

Yet, with a smart approach, you can still engage with the tournament while on the move. Whether you’re exploring a new city or relaxing poolside, the right tools and habits help you stay in the loop.

These practical tips are designed for those who want to enjoy the Open without putting their travel plans on hold.

1. Adjust to the Time Zone Before it Starts

The 153rd Open Championships will be held from July 17 to 20, 2025, at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. Local tee times will begin in the early morning, and final rounds may finish by late afternoon UK time. That makes time zone awareness crucial for travelers.

If you're in the United States, expect coverage to begin in the very early hours of the morning. Travelers in Asia-Pacific may find themselves tuning in mid-evening. Adjust your schedule ahead of time. Add calendar reminders in local time so you don’t miss Thursday’s opening shots or Sunday’s potential playoff drama. It’s one of the few majors where daylight and weather conditions truly shape the viewing experience.

2. Use Reliable Mobile Apps With Real-Time Updates

Many platforms offer real-time data, but not all are traveler-friendly. Choose apps that are optimized for mobile networks and don’t eat through your data. While on the road, public Wi-Fi and roaming charges can impact your experience. Look for apps that offer live scoring, weather reports, and simplified betting interfaces in one place.

Some trusted names include PGA Tour, The Open’s official app, and several regulated sportsbook apps that provide odds updates in real time. Before your trip, test a few of them on airplane mode with Wi-Fi to see which ones perform well in low-data environments. The Open Championships often come down to the wire, so fast refresh rates and a smooth layout will help you keep pace with every shot.

3. Avoid Overcommitting Early in the Tournament

Betting early during the Open Championships can be risky if you’re unable to follow each round. First-round leaders often fade, and surprises emerge due to unpredictable weather. For travelers, especially, it’s smarter to start small and observe how the course plays out over the first two days. If you're planning to bet on The Open, focus on markets that don’t require constant tracking, such as head-to-head matchups or adjusted round scores.

By waiting until after the Friday cut, you get a clearer sense of form, momentum, and course adaptation. Royal Portrush is a true links course that exposes players unfamiliar with its rolling fairways and variable coastal winds. A strong name on paper might struggle under pressure, while a local or veteran links player could quietly surge into contention.

4. Leverage Wi-Fi Friendly Stops in Your Itinerary

Being able to pause and find a solid connection is often overlooked when planning a trip. Cafés, airports, and hotel lobbies are ideal for checking the leaderboard or adjusting your bets. Add reliable Wi-Fi locations to your map so you know when to sync up with the action.

If you’re road-tripping or staying in remote areas, plan your wagering windows accordingly. Downloading tournament data or daily leaderboards in advance helps when you’re going offline. The Open Championships don’t wait for convenience, so building your schedule around good connectivity gives you a major edge.

5. Keep an Eye on Course Conditions Each Day

One of the defining traits of the Open Championships is the weather. Winds shift. Greens dry out. Sudden showers roll in. These factors not only change the leaderboard but also shift betting odds quickly. Following course updates from tournament officials or trusted golf analysts helps you gauge the playing conditions.

If you’re not able to watch, reading the day’s course notes or player interviews gives insight into how the course is behaving. Knowing that the back nine is playing two shots over par, or that early groups have an advantage due to calmer conditions, can inform smarter in-play bets even if you’re several time zones away.

6. Stay Flexible With Your Betting Style

Travel often means unpredictable schedules, missed notifications, or changes in interest. Instead of trying to stay glued to every round, adjust your approach. Use your travel windows for pre-round bets or prop markets that don’t require constant tracking. Some apps allow you to set limits or auto-cash-out positions once a bet hits a favorable number.

This allows you to enjoy the Open Championships without it interfering with your trip. If you’re exploring a museum or taking a train through the countryside, you don’t want to be glued to your phone. Betting while traveling works best when your strategy adapts to your circumstances, not the other way around.

Let the Tournament Elevate Your Travel Experience

Watching the Open Championships while traveling isn’t just about betting. It’s also about experiencing one of golf’s most iconic events from a new perspective. Whether you're hearing local commentary in another language or watching with fellow fans in a distant pub, it adds a rich layer to the experience.

With thoughtful planning and smart habits, you can stay involved in the action while embracing the joys of the journey. The Open moves fast, but with the right tools in place, you won’t miss a swing, no matter where you are in the world.