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Alright, so the first round of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at the iconic Riviera Country Club is in the books. Some players showed up, some… well, they didn’t. But that’s golf, right? Now it’s Friday, and Round 2 is where things really start to get interesting. This is where the contenders solidify their spots, and the pretenders start packing their bags. If you want to know who’s playing, when they’re playing, and where the hell you can actually watch it without pulling your hair out, you’ve come to the right place. We’re talking TV times, streaming options, and all the crucial tee times you need to follow the action. Let’s dive in and see who’s making noise at Riviera.
So, Jennifer Kupcho? Yeah, she’s leading. One shot ahead, sitting pretty at five-under after a solid first day. Seven birdies, only two bogeys. Not bad at all. This is the kind of golf that puts you in contention for a major. She’s got the pedigree, winning the 2019 Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the 2022 Chevron Championship. She knows how to close. But one shot is nothing in a major championship, especially at a place like Riviera. That lead can vanish faster than a free drink at a corporate outing.
Right behind her is Sei Young Kim, sitting alone in second at four-under. She’s another player who knows what it takes to win big. Then you’ve got defending champ Maja Stark, who came in at even par. She’s not out of it, not by a long shot. But the real story, the one that has everyone talking, is Nelly Korda. World No. 1, and she shot a 73. Seven shots off the lead. Seven! That’s a mountain to climb. She’ll need something special today, and then some serious help from others, to get back into this thing. It just goes to show, no matter who you are, this game will humble you.
Now, for the part everyone cares about: how do you actually watch this thing? Because let’s be honest, trying to find golf coverage can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt designed by a sadist. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The good news is, it’s not a total lost cause this year.
For the second round, you can tune into USA Network. They’ll be broadcasting the action from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday. That’s your prime-time golf slot, folks. If you’re a cord-cutter, or just prefer the convenience of streaming, Peacock is your best friend. They’ll be taking over the coverage from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET, giving you the exclusive finish. So, you’ve got a solid block of viewing time right there.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re really trying to follow your favorite players or specific groups, there are other options. You can catch featured group coverage on:
So, no excuses. You have multiple ways to watch. Pick your poison and settle in. Just make sure you’ve got snacks and maybe a beverage. You’re gonna need it.
Knowing the TV schedule is one thing, but knowing when your favorite players are actually teeing off is another. Riviera is a big course, and conditions can change throughout the day. Morning starters might get different breezes than the afternoon groups. Plus, it helps you plan your day. Do you need to be glued to the TV at 9:45 a.m., or can you sleep in a bit?
Let’s break down some of the key tee times for Friday’s second round. Remember, these are the times they are scheduled to start, so things can shift slightly. Always double-check closer to the time if you’re a die-hard.
The early birds get going at 9:45 a.m. ET. Some notable groups heading out from the first tee include:
Then, after a bit of a break, the afternoon wave starts at 3:30 p.m. ET. This is where you’ll find some of the bigger names and movers from round one:
The action on the back nine kicks off at 9:45 a.m. ET as well. Here are some of the groups to keep an eye on:
And the afternoon starters from the 10th tee, beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET:
This is your roadmap, people. Know the times, know the channels, and get ready for some serious golf. Riviera is a beast, and Friday is moving day. Don’t miss it.
Beyond just following your favorites, there are a few storylines to keep an eye on as Round 2 unfolds. First, can Jennifer Kupcho extend her lead? Or will the pressure get to her? History shows that leading a major after 36 holes is a fantastic position, but it’s far from a guarantee. We’ll be watching her body language, her shot selection, and whether she can maintain that killer instinct.
Then there’s the chase pack. Sei Young Kim is right there, ready to pounce. Will she make a charge? And what about the players starting further back? Can someone like Maja Stark or even Nelly Korda put together a round that gets them back into the thick of it? Korda, in particular, will be under the microscope. A player of her caliber can’t afford to stay that far back in a major. We expect her to come out firing. It’s also worth noting the amateurs. These young guns, marked with an “(a)”, are playing with house money and can sometimes surprise everyone with fearless golf.
Riviera is known for its strategic challenges, its dramatic elevation changes, and those iconic fairways. Don’t be surprised to see players making big moves, both up and down the leaderboard. The course will test patience, precision, and nerve. Who will handle it best? That’s the million-dollar question. This is where legends are made, and sometimes, where dreams are shattered. It’s why we watch.
So, get your viewing plan locked in. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard, Friday at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open is shaping up to be a must-watch. Let’s see who can navigate Riviera and make a serious run at the title.
For more on the U.S. Women’s Open and other major championships, check out the official USGA website: USGA U.S. Women’s Open.