How to Watch The Fedex Cup: Step-by-Step Guide

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Quick Answer

• Catch all the FedEx Cup action on major sports networks and streaming services.
• Always check the official PGA Tour schedule for exact broadcast times and channels.
• Make sure your TV package or streaming service has the channels airing the tournaments.

Who This Is For

• Die-hard golf fans ready to follow the thrilling conclusion of the PGA Tour season.
• Anyone looking for the easiest ways to stream or tune into the FedEx Cup playoffs.

What to Check First for Watching the FedEx Cup

• Pinpoint the dates and locations for each FedEx Cup playoff event.
• Know which TV channels are broadcasting each tournament – think Golf Channel, CBS, and NBC.
• Confirm your current cable or satellite subscription carries those specific sports channels.
• Check if your streaming service offers the channels airing the FedEx Cup.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Watch the FedEx Cup

• Action: Lock down the event schedule.

?What to look for: The exact dates, times, and host courses for each playoff tournament. This is crucial because the schedule can shift year to year.

?Mistake: Assuming the schedule is the same every year. It changes, so always verify with the official PGA Tour site.

• Action: Scout out the broadcast channels.

?What to look for: Which networks (Golf Channel, CBS, NBC, etc.) are carrying each round of play. Remember, early rounds are often on Golf Channel, while weekend action might be on CBS or NBC.

?Mistake: Missing coverage because you only checked one network. The broadcast can be split across multiple channels, and you don’t want to miss a crucial putt.

• Action: Review your TV subscription.

?What to look for: Whether your current cable or satellite package includes the specific channels broadcasting the FedEx Cup. This includes checking for any sports tiers or add-ons.

?Mistake: Assuming all sports channels are automatically included. Many standard packages leave out premium sports networks like the Golf Channel, requiring an upgrade.

• Action: Evaluate streaming options.

?What to look for: Services that offer live TV streaming and carry the channels you need. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV are good places to start. Check their channel lineups carefully.

?Mistake: Signing up for a streaming service without confirming it has the channels airing the FedEx Cup. You might end up with a service that doesn’t show the golf, which is a real bummer.

• Action: Consider international viewing.

?What to look for: If you’re outside the US, check for official PGA Tour broadcast partners in your region. Many countries have dedicated sports channels or streaming platforms that carry the tour.

?Mistake: Assuming US broadcast partners will work internationally. Geo-restrictions are common, so do your homework if you’re traveling.

• Action: Set up your viewing.

?What to look for: A stable internet connection for streaming or a clear signal for your TV. Ensure your smart TV apps are updated or your streaming device is ready to go.

?Mistake: Waiting until the last minute to test your equipment. A glitchy stream or a fuzzy picture can ruin the experience. Test it out beforehand.

• Action: Tune in and enjoy.

?What to look for: The leaderboard and your favorite golfers battling it out for the ultimate prize. Pay attention to the scoring system and how it impacts the standings.

?Mistake: Getting distracted by other things. This is the main event, the culmination of the entire season! Give it your full attention.

How to Watch the FedEx Cup Championship

The FedEx Cup is the undisputed climax of the PGA Tour season, a high-stakes playoff series that crowns the tour’s champion. For golf aficionados, following this prestigious event live is non-negotiable. To ensure you don’t miss a single dramatic putt or soaring drive, here’s the essential rundown on how to watch the FedEx Cup playoffs and the thrilling championship finale [1]. It’s pretty straightforward once you know where to look, and getting it right means you’re dialed in for all the action.

The FedEx Cup itself is comprised of three intense playoff tournaments. These aren’t just any tournaments; they’re designed to separate the contenders from the pretenders, with the field shrinking after each event. This structure means the pressure cooker intensifies with every round, and the drama only builds towards the TOUR Championship. Understanding this flow is key to appreciating the whole spectacle.

Tuning into the FedEx Cup Playoffs: Broadcast Channels and Streaming

Most golf fans know that live coverage of the PGA Tour, especially the FedEx Cup, is typically split between cable channels and digital platforms. The Golf Channel usually handles the bulk of the early-round coverage for all three playoff events. Think Thursday and Friday action, where the course is still packed and the pressure is just starting to mount. This is where you often see players trying to make the cut and climb the leaderboard before the weekend rush.

As the weekend arrives, the broadcast often shifts to major broadcast networks like CBS and NBC. These networks typically cover the crucial Saturday and Sunday rounds, showcasing the final groups and the most intense moments as players vie for victory. This is the prime-time golf viewing experience, complete with expert commentary and high-definition visuals that bring you right to the fairway.

For those who have cut the cord or prefer streaming, there are several excellent options. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (specifically the Orange + Blue package for NBC and potentially Golf Channel depending on your market, or the Sling TV Blue package for NBC), and FuboTV are popular choices. These platforms offer live TV streaming and typically include the Golf Channel, CBS, and NBC in their packages. However, it’s absolutely vital to check the specific channel lineup for your chosen service and region before you subscribe. Channel availability can vary significantly, and you don’t want to sign up only to find out the Golf Channel isn’t included.

Navigating the Official PGA Tour Schedule

One of the most common pitfalls for fans trying to watch the FedEx Cup is not consulting the official PGA Tour schedule. This schedule is your bible for the playoffs. It lays out not just the dates and times but also precisely which networks will be broadcasting each segment of the competition. You’ll find information on the host courses, the player field (once it’s finalized), and any special broadcast features.

The PGA Tour website is the definitive source. Bookmark it. Check it regularly. It’s updated in real-time, ensuring you have the most accurate information. Relying on memory or outdated information is a surefire way to miss the opening tee shots or crucial putts. The site will clearly state, for instance, “FedEx St. Jude Championship, Thursday-Friday on Golf Channel, Saturday-Sunday on CBS.” Knowing this helps you plan your viewing accordingly.

Understanding the FedEx Cup Championship Structure

The FedEx Cup playoffs are a three-event series designed to crown the PGA Tour’s ultimate champion [2]. It’s a season-long race that culminates in this high-stakes showdown.

1. The FedEx St. Jude Championship: This is the first event in the playoffs. It features a large field of the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings. The primary goal here is to advance to the next stage. Players who don’t make the cut or finish too low in the standings will see their FedEx Cup dreams end here.

2. The BMW Championship: The field is cut down further for this second playoff event, typically featuring the top 50 players remaining in the FedEx Cup standings. The stakes are even higher, as players are battling not only for the win but also to position themselves favorably for the final event. The FedEx Cup points awarded here are substantial.

3. The TOUR Championship: This is the grand finale. Only the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings qualify for this prestigious event held at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. The tournament utilizes a staggered start system, known as “stroke play seeding,” where the player leading the FedEx Cup standings begins the tournament at 10 under par, the second-place player at 8 under, and so on. This format means the winner of the TOUR Championship is the FedEx Cup champion, regardless of who wins the actual tournament round-by-round. It’s a brilliant system that keeps the season-long narrative front and center.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Not checking the official PGA Tour schedule.

— Why it matters: Broadcast times, channels, and even tournament formats can shift. Relying on old info is a recipe for disappointment and missed action. You might think it’s on CBS all weekend, only to find out the early rounds are exclusively on the Golf Channel.

— Fix: Always hit up the PGA Tour website (PGATour.com) for the most current and accurate broadcast details. Bookmark it and make it your go-to source.

• Mistake: Assuming your current TV package has all the necessary channels.

— Why it matters: Many standard cable or satellite packages leave out premium sports networks like the Golf Channel. You might have a great sports package but still be missing the network that carries the bulk of the early playoff rounds.

— Fix: Double-check your subscription details online or call your provider to confirm which channels are included. Look for specific sports tiers or packages that guarantee access to channels like the Golf Channel.

• Mistake: Signing up for a streaming service without verifying channel inclusion.

— Why it matters: You might pay for a service that doesn’t actually air the FedEx Cup tournaments you want to watch. Some services might have CBS and NBC but not the Golf Channel, or vice versa, depending on your location and plan.

— Fix: Before you subscribe, meticulously check the specific channel list for the streaming service against the official broadcast schedule. Look for a direct mention of the Golf Channel, CBS, and NBC.

• Mistake: Forgetting about time zone differences.

— Why it matters: Broadcasts start at specific times, and if you’re in a different time zone, you could miss the opening tee shots or crucial early-round play. A 10 AM ET start is 7 AM PT, which might mean waking up before your coffee is even ready.

— Fix: Always note the broadcast times in your local time zone. Most schedules will list times in Eastern Time (ET), so be prepared to convert them.

• Mistake: Not having a backup plan for technical issues.

— Why it matters: Internet outages, app glitches, or even a dead remote can disrupt your viewing experience right when the action is heating up.

— Fix: Have a backup option ready. This could be a secondary streaming device, a neighbor’s Wi-Fi password (if you’re lucky!), or even a traditional TV antenna if you can get a clear signal for CBS or NBC in your area.

FAQ

• When does the FedEx Cup start?

The FedEx Cup playoffs typically begin in mid-August, following the conclusion of the final regular-season event on the PGA Tour schedule. The exact date varies slightly each year but usually falls within the second or third week of August.

• What are the different events in the FedEx Cup playoffs?

The playoffs consist of three distinct tournaments: the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the BMW Championship, and the TOUR Championship. Each event narrows the field of eligible players based on their FedEx Cup points standings.

• Which TV channels broadcast the FedEx Cup?

Coverage is usually split between the Golf Channel for early rounds (Thursday and Friday) and major broadcast networks like CBS or NBC for weekend action (Saturday and Sunday). Streaming services that carry these channels will also provide live coverage.

• Can I watch the FedEx Cup online?

Yes, absolutely. You can watch the FedEx Cup online through various live TV streaming services that offer the necessary broadcast channels (Golf Channel, CBS, NBC). Additionally, the PGA Tour often provides streaming options through its own platforms or apps, sometimes requiring a subscription or offering specific content for free.

• Is the TOUR Championship broadcast on free TV?

Typically, yes. The final round of the TOUR Championship, which determines the FedEx Cup champion, is usually broadcast on NBC. Since NBC is a major over-the-air network, you can often watch it for free with a digital TV antenna in most areas. Early rounds of the TOUR Championship are usually on the Golf Channel.

• How does the FedEx Cup points system work?

Points are awarded throughout the regular season and then reset for the playoffs. Players earn points based on their finish position in each playoff event, with the points increasing significantly at each stage. The player with the most points after the TOUR Championship is crowned the FedEx Cup champion. The staggered start at the TOUR Championship is based on these points.

Sources

[1] How to Watch the FedEx Cup: https://golfhubz.com/how-to-watch-the-fedex-cup/

[2] How to Watch the FedEx Cup Championship: https://golfhubz.com/how-to-watch-the-fedex-cup-championship/