Olympic golf 2016: Time and TV schedule for Round 2

Golf may not be the centerpiece of the the summer Olympics. That will always belong to the sports who make the games the four-year pinnacle of their sport, such as swimming and track and field. But after more than 100 years out of the games, this first year back has made golf one of the most intriguing events in Rio. Even with some of the stars opting out, the curiosity has been high. We’re watching some world-class pros in a totally new environment and playing a different kind of event for no money.

The event may be a little different than usual, but the coverage is very similar. Golf Channel and its crew will once again provide television coverage. Players will hit the golf course early in the morning in Rio which means live television coverage starts bright and early in the United States at 6:30 a.m. ET. Coverage will continue through the round, which will likely wrap up around 3 p.m. In addition to the main television coverage, Golf Channel will also provide a live TV simulcast stream and a featured holes stream that will focus on Nos. 1, 17 and 18.

Marcus Fraser is the round one leader after shooting an 8-under 63 on Thursday morning. Fraser was not the first, second, third, or even fourth option for Australia, after more decorated stars Jason Day, Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, and Matt Jones all declined the option of playing in Rio. There’s obviously 54 more holes to go and Fraser’s lead is tenuous at this point, but it has to be rewarding for him to pounce on the opportunity and still put that Aussie flag at the top of the leaderboard.

Right behind Fraser is Henrik Stenson, the favorite at the start of the week and probably the best golfer in the world over the last month. Stenson posted a 5-under 66 playing in the later half of the tee sheet on Thursday, making his round just as impressive as Fraser’s. That’s because the wind came up on this Gil Hanse designed course, making things much tougher on a links-style test that was meant to be played in those kind of conditions. Stenson is dialed-in and will be tough to beat over the next three days.

The majority of the world’s top 15 golfers aren’t playing in this week’s tournament, with many citing the Zika virus as the reason for their withdrawal. While that eliminates some of the luster of competition, there’s still room on the podium to crown some of golf’s newest stars.

The second round tees off at 6:30 a.m. and will be covered in its entirety on the Golf Channel as well as online through NBCOlympics. It’s the same Golf Channel crew you’re used to getting at so many big events on the PGA Tour, just in a totally different and unique setting. Here are all your media options for the second round.

All times Eastern

Events: Men’s competition, 6:30 a.m.

TV: Golf Channel, 6:30 a.m. to approx. 3 p.m.

Online Streaming: