NBC’s coverage of the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club was met with a torrent of criticism on X, as golf fans aired grievances over excessive commercials, limited streaming options, and lackluster production quality. The network, which broadcast the event across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock alongside nearly 300 hours of coverage, faced accusations of prioritizing profits over viewer experience, tarnishing the prestige of one of golf’s premier majors.
The most vocal complaints centered on the overwhelming number of commercial breaks, which fans claimed disrupted crucial moments of the tournament. One user, @BrunoBeidacki, summarized a frustrating cycle: “NBC’s coverage of the US Open is so, so bad. Come back from commercial break, show 3 shots with commentary, go to ‘playing through’ ads for 2 minutes, show another 3 shots, go on commercial break again. Complete disregard for its audience.”
Others echoed this sentiment, with @Susanne14280411 lamenting, “NBC has way too many commercials for a US Open! Ridiculous, always on a commercial when it’s an important shot! Terrible coverage.”
The broadcast’s structure also drew ire for its reliance on Peacock for significant portions of coverage, particularly early rounds and featured groups. @nickkrsnak_2 blasted NBC for forcing viewers to switch to Peacock, which offered only limited featured group streams on Friday, calling it “totally ridiculous.”
The absence of a multiview option, a feature popular for its ability to show multiple angles simultaneously, was another sore point, with @Jah4Jags labeling the overall coverage “pure trash” for its lack of variety and player focus.
Fans felt the main broadcast fixated on a handful of players, often missing shots from contenders lower on the leaderboard, particularly LIV Golf players, further fueling perceptions of bias.
Production quality came under scrutiny as well, with @SteveMerkle23 slamming NBC and Peacock for “0 energy and insight” from the commentary team. The same user criticized the graphics as “terrible” and suggested NBC’s broader financial struggles led to a subpar product.
Technical glitches, a recurring issue for NBC at the U.S. Open, resurfaced, with fans recalling similar audio and visual problems during the 2024 broadcast at Pinehurst. One user, @RealChaseChick, took aim at NBC’s corporate greed, describing a pre-coverage commercial followed by a message that coverage hadn’t started as “ghoulish.”
The backlash wasn’t new for NBC, which has faced similar criticism in recent years for delivering a disjointed viewing experience.
In 2022, USGA CEO Mike Whan responded to outrage over excessive commercials, promising to work with NBC to improve, though fans on X suggested little had changed. The network’s history of technical issues, budget cuts, and a revolving door of analysts — highlighted by Paul Azinger’s departure in 2023 — added fuel to the narrative that NBC undervalues golf.
Despite the criticism, NBC’s coverage did have bright spots. The network utilized Emmy Award-winning ARL Drone Tracing Technology and offered a “Rolex Hour” of uninterrupted final-hour coverage on Sunday, which showcased J.J. Spaun’s dramatic 64-foot winning putt.
NBC has not publicly addressed the 2025 backlash, but posts on X indicate growing fan frustration with the network’s handling of major golf events, including The Open Championship in 2022 and 2024. With the 2026 U.S. Open set for Shinnecock Hills, pressure is mounting for NBC to rethink its approach. For now, the sentiment on X, as one user bluntly put it, is clear: “Your coverage of the US Open was TERRIBLE!”
