If you just woke up on this Sunday, January 18, 2026, and cracked open your laptop to figure out what time is the u.s. open on today, I have some news that might be a little frustrating. You aren't going to find a live broadcast of the U.S. Open today.
It’s an easy mistake to make.
We’ve become so used to year-round sports that the "Open" branding gets mixed up in our heads. Right now, the sports world is looking at Hawaii, not New York or a major golf course. The Sony Open is currently wrapping up its final round at Waialae Country Club. That’s likely what’s popping up on your social feed or your TV guide. But the actual U.S. Open—the one with the massive trophies and the legendary pressure—is months away.
When Does the U.S. Open Actually Start?
The confusion usually stems from the fact that there are two "U.S. Opens" that dominate the American psyche: Golf and Tennis. Neither of them happens in January.
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For the golfers, the 2026 U.S. Open is headed to the iconic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. That tournament is scheduled for June 18–21, 2026. If you're looking for the tennis version, you're looking even further out. The 2026 U.S. Open Tennis Championships won't start until Sunday, August 30, and will run through September 13.
Basically, you’ve got a bit of a wait.
Honestly, the "January 18" date is usually peak Australian Open season for tennis fans. If you were hoping to see a Grand Slam today, you should be looking toward Melbourne Park. The time difference there is a killer for U.S. viewers, usually requiring a 3:00 AM wake-up call or staying up incredibly late to catch the marquee matches on ESPN or through streaming.
Why the 2026 Schedule is Different
This year is actually a bit unique for the tennis crowd. The USTA recently confirmed that the 2026 U.S. Open will officially begin its main draw on a Sunday (August 30) instead of the traditional Monday start. This shift is part of a growing trend to capture more weekend viewership and give the tournament a "Fan Week" kickoff that feels more integrated.
Fan Week itself starts even earlier—August 23, 2026.
If you're asking what time is the u.s. open on today because you're trying to plan a trip to Shinnecock Hills for the golf, tickets are already a hot commodity. The USGA opened entry applications on February 18, 2025, and by now, most gallery tickets are either sold out or being traded on secondary markets for a premium.
What to Watch Right Now Instead
Since there is no U.S. Open today, what should you be tuning into?
The Sony Open in Hawaii is the big ticket for golf fans today. Ryan Gerard and Davis Riley have been the names to watch throughout the weekend. The final round coverage typically begins in the late afternoon for East Coast viewers and runs into the evening because of the time zone difference in Honolulu. It's a great "vibe" tournament—lots of palm trees and ocean views while the rest of the country is freezing.
On the tennis side, the Australian Open is the main event.
Current Major Events (January 18, 2026)
- Golf: Sony Open Final Round (Tee times usually start around 1:00 PM local time).
- Tennis: Australian Open Early Rounds (Live matches typically start around 7:00 PM ET for the following day’s session).
- NFL: We are deep into the playoffs, which often distracts people from the lack of "Open" championships in the winter.
Common Misconceptions About the U.S. Open
I've seen people get confused because of the "U.S. Open Cup" in soccer as well. That’s a completely different animal with a scattered schedule throughout the year. If you're a soccer fan, you're likely looking for localized match times that vary wildly depending on which round of the tournament is currently active.
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Another weird quirk? The "U.S. Open" of other sports like bowling or even certain poker events. Those are niche, but they sometimes fill the gaps in the calendar, leading to those confusing Google searches.
But for the big ones—the ones that stop the world—you’re either looking at the heat of June in Long Island or the humidity of late August in Queens.
Actionable Steps for Sports Fans Today
Since the U.S. Open isn't on, here is what you should actually do to stay ahead of the schedule for later this year:
- Check the Sony Open Leaderboard: If you wanted golf, the Waialae finish is going to be tight. Check the PGA Tour app for the exact tee times of the leaders.
- Set an Alert for August 30: If you’re a tennis fan, mark your calendar for the Sunday start. It’s a change from the old routine, and you don’t want to miss the opening day matches at Arthur Ashe.
- Monitor USGA Ticket Resales: If you’re dying to get to Shinnecock Hills in June, keep an eye on the official USGA ticket portal. Sometimes "Trophy Club" passes or "1895 Club" tickets pop back up due to cancellations, though they'll cost you a several thousand dollars.
- Watch the Australian Open Replays: If you missed the midnight matches from Melbourne, ESPN+ usually carries the full replays of the big-court matches on demand by the time you're eating breakfast.
The U.S. Open is arguably the most grueling test in both golf and tennis. It requires a specific kind of mental toughness that you just don't see in January. While it’s not on today, the preparation for those athletes is happening right now in the background. We’ll just have to settle for the tropical breezes of Hawaii for the time being.