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PGA Tour Broadcasts: Which Channel to Watch?

ByMichael Reeves

← Major Golf Events & Tournaments | Professional Tour Championships


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Quick Answer

  • PGA Tour events are primarily broadcast on CBS and NBC/Golf Channel.
  • The specific channel depends on the tournament and the round you’re watching.
  • Major championships like The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship have dedicated broadcast partners you’ll want to track.

Who This Is For

  • Golf fans who want to follow the PGA Tour season and know exactly where to tune in.
  • Spectators who are trying to catch a specific tournament or round without a deep dive into broadcast schedules.
  • Casual viewers who just want to find live golf without a lot of research.

What Channel PGA Golf is On

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. Figuring out what channel PGA golf is on isn’t rocket science, but it does require a little know-how. It’s not like everything’s on one channel every single week. The landscape for watching professional golf has a few key players. You’ve got your major networks, CBS and NBC, and then you have the dedicated Golf Channel. These are the main hubs for PGA Tour action.

For most regular season PGA Tour events, you’ll find the bulk of the coverage split between CBS and NBC. Typically, these networks will handle the weekend rounds – the Saturday and Sunday action when the pressure is really on and the leaderboard is starting to take shape. This is prime time for golf viewing, and these networks deliver it.

However, don’t forget about the Golf Channel. This is your go-to for the early rounds. If you want to catch the Thursday and Friday action, when players are battling to make the cut and establish their position, Golf Channel is usually the place to be. It’s crucial to remember this split because if you only check your TV guide for CBS or NBC on a Friday, you might be out of luck for live coverage. It’s all about knowing the rhythm of the broadcast schedule.

Now, when it comes to the big four – The Masters, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship (often called the British Open) – things get a little more specific. These majors have long-standing broadcast partnerships. The Masters is famously broadcast by CBS. The U.S. Open has seen coverage on both NBC and Fox in recent years, with NBC being the current primary partner. The PGA Championship has also bounced between CBS and NBC. And The Open Championship typically airs on NBC. Knowing these partnerships is key for major championship weekends.

So, to recap, the core of what channel PGA golf is on boils down to this: CBS and NBC for weekend play and prime-time action, and Golf Channel for the early rounds. Major championships have their own established networks. It’s a system that’s been in place for a while, and once you get the hang of it, you won’t miss a shot.

  • Always check the official PGA Tour website for the most up-to-date broadcast schedule. They’re the final word.
  • Verify the broadcast partner for the specific tournament you’re keen on watching. Don’t guess.
  • Note that different networks carry different rounds. Early rounds are often on Golf Channel, while weekend rounds typically shift to CBS or NBC.

Step-by-Step Plan to Find What Channel PGA Golf is On

Alright, let’s break down how to pinpoint what channel PGA golf is airing on, step-by-step. It’s a pretty straightforward process, and once you do it a couple of times, it’ll feel like second nature. No need to wander around the TV dial aimlessly.

1. Identify the specific PGA Tour event you want to watch.

  • Action: First things first, you need to know the name of the tournament. Are you trying to catch the Players Championship? The FedEx Cup Playoffs? Maybe a specific regional event?
  • What to look for: The exact tournament name. This is your starting point. For instance, if you’re thinking about the U.S. Open, that’s a different broadcast partner than, say, the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming all PGA Tour events are broadcast on the same channel. This is the most common pitfall. Each event, or at least each series of events, has a primary broadcaster for different parts of the week. If you think the Masters is on the same channel as a random early-season event, you’ll be disappointed.

2. Visit the official PGA Tour website.

  • Action: Head over to PGATour.com. This is your command center for all things PGA Tour.
  • What to look for: Navigate to the “Schedule” or “Broadcast” section. These are usually prominently displayed. The PGA Tour website is the most reliable source of information, providing the most current and accurate broadcast details. This is where you’ll find the definitive breakdown of who is showing what, and when.
  • Mistake to avoid: Relying on outdated third-party information or old forum posts. The broadcast landscape can shift, and the official site is always the most up-to-date. Don’t trust a random blog post from five years ago.

3. Locate the tournament on the schedule.

  • Action: Once you’re in the schedule section, find the specific tournament you’re interested in. Click on it to get more details.
  • What to look for: The listed broadcast partners for each day of the tournament. The schedule will typically break down coverage by day (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and indicate which network is airing it. You’ll see logos for CBS, NBC, and Golf Channel clearly marked.
  • Mistake to avoid: Not noting which rounds are on which channel. This is a critical detail. Many viewers make the mistake of just checking for Saturday and Sunday on CBS or NBC and completely missing the Thursday and Friday coverage on Golf Channel. You might see “Weekend Coverage: CBS,” but you need to look for “Early Round Coverage: Golf Channel” too.

4. Check your local listings and streaming options.

  • Action: Once you know the network, confirm the exact channel number in your area and the broadcast time. If you don’t have cable, check streaming options.
  • What to look for: Confirmation of the network and time for your specific region. For example, if CBS is broadcasting, you’ll need to know if it’s on CBS Channel 2, CBS Channel 6, etc., depending on your local affiliate. If you’re streaming, check platforms like Peacock (for NBC), Paramount+ (for CBS), or the Golf Channel app.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming national listings apply everywhere without checking your local channel. While rare, there can be minor variations or local programming that might affect start times. Always verify locally or through your streaming service.

Understanding PGA Broadcast Networks

Let’s dive a bit deeper into the networks that bring you the action. Knowing the players involved in broadcasting PGA Tour events will make your life a whole lot easier when you’re trying to figure out what channel PGA golf is on. It’s not just about the golfers on the course; it’s also about the networks bringing their A-game to your screen.

The Big Two: CBS and NBC

These two titans of sports broadcasting have been the primary homes for PGA Tour golf for decades. They typically handle the marquee events and the crucial weekend rounds where championships are won and lost.

CBS Sports: CBS is synonymous with major golf events, most notably The Masters. They also broadcast a significant portion of the PGA Tour schedule, often focusing on the latter half of the season and key playoff events. When you think of Sunday afternoon golf, you often think of CBS. Their coverage is known for its high production quality and expert commentary, often featuring former golf greats in the booth. If you’re looking for that classic, prestige golf broadcast experience, CBS is usually your bet.

NBC Sports: NBC also has a deep history with golf. They cover events like the U.S. Open (alternating with CBS in the past, but currently the primary partner for the men’s U.S. Open) and The Open Championship. Like CBS, NBC’s coverage usually focuses on the weekend rounds, bringing you the drama as players navigate challenging courses under immense pressure. NBC also has its own stable of top-tier golf analysts and broadcasters. Their coverage often emphasizes the historical significance of the tournaments and the storylines unfolding throughout the week.

Why this matters for you: When you see a major championship or a high-profile regular-season event on the horizon, your first instinct should be to check if CBS or NBC is broadcasting it. These are the networks you’ll want to have access to, especially for the final rounds.

The Essential Third: Golf Channel

The Golf Channel is indispensable for any serious golf fan. It’s the dedicated 24/7 golf network, and its role in PGA Tour broadcasts is crucial, particularly for the early stages of tournaments.

Golf Channel’s Role: While CBS and NBC often take over for the weekend, Golf Channel is usually the network that brings you the Thursday and Friday action. This means if you want to follow a tournament from the very beginning, from the first tee shot on Thursday morning, you’ll likely need to tune into Golf Channel. They cover the opening rounds of most PGA Tour events, including many of the majors. They also provide extensive pre-game and post-game analysis, news, and documentaries, making it a one-stop shop for golf enthusiasts.

Why this matters for you: You absolutely cannot ignore Golf Channel if you want comprehensive PGA Tour coverage. Missing the early rounds means missing key developments, players making charges to get into contention, and crucial cut-line battles. Having access to Golf Channel ensures you don’t miss any part of the story. It’s also a great place to catch up on golf news and analysis when there isn’t live play.

Major Championships: A Special Case

As mentioned, the four major championships have specific broadcast homes. This is where the partnerships are most consistent and well-known:

  • The Masters: Exclusively on CBS for final round coverage, with ESPN covering the early rounds.
  • PGA Championship: Typically alternates between CBS and NBC, with Golf Channel covering early rounds.
  • U.S. Open: Primarily on NBC, with early round coverage on Golf Channel.
  • The Open Championship (British Open): Primarily on NBC, with early round coverage on Golf Channel.

Understanding these distinct broadcast assignments is vital. If you’re planning your viewing for a major, knowing which network to expect ensures you’re prepared. It’s like knowing which trailhead leads to the best campsite – you gotta know the map.

Common Mistakes When Finding PGA Broadcasts

Let’s talk about the blunders folks make when trying to figure out what channel PGA golf is on. Avoid these, and you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration.

  • Mistake: Only checking one network (like CBS) for all coverage.
  • Why it matters: You’ll miss a huge chunk of the tournament. Early rounds are almost always on Golf Channel, and sometimes NBC picks up events that CBS doesn’t. Relying on just one channel is a recipe for disappointment.
  • Fix: Always cross-reference the official PGA Tour schedule with CBS, NBC, and Golf Channel listings. Better yet, just bookmark the PGA Tour schedule page and use that as your primary source.
  • Mistake: Forgetting about regional differences or time zone variations in broadcasts.
  • Why it matters: While most PGA Tour events are broadcast nationally, local affiliate channels might have slight variations in their schedules or start times due to local programming. Time zone differences can also mean a broadcast starts earlier or later than you might expect if you’re not paying attention.
  • Fix: Always check the official PGA Tour schedule for your specific region and be mindful of the broadcast times listed in your local time zone. Streaming services often adjust automatically, but traditional cable can sometimes have quirks.
  • Mistake: Assuming all rounds of a tournament are on the same channel.
  • Why it matters: This is a big one, and it happens more often than you’d think. People tune in on a Friday expecting to see their favorite network and are surprised to find Golf Channel instead. This is especially true for major championships where ESPN might carry early rounds before CBS or NBC take over.
  • Fix: Review the full tournament broadcast schedule, day by day. It’s usually laid out clearly on the PGA Tour website, showing Golf Channel for Thursday/Friday and CBS/NBC for Saturday/Sunday. Don’t just look at the weekend.
  • Mistake: Relying solely on social media buzz or word-of-mouth.
  • Why it matters: While social media can be a great way to get hyped for an event, it’s not always the most accurate source for broadcast details. A friend might tell you “it’s on CBS,” but they might have forgotten about the Golf Channel coverage earlier in the week.
  • Fix: Use social media for excitement and updates, but always confirm broadcast details on the official PGA Tour website or the network’s own schedule. Official sources are king.
  • Mistake: Not having a streaming option available for when you’re on the go.
  • Why it matters: Life happens, and you might not always be in front of your TV. If you only have traditional cable, you could miss crucial moments if you’re traveling or away from home.
  • Fix: Consider subscribing to a live TV streaming service that includes CBS, NBC, and Golf Channel, or look into the network-specific apps like Paramount+ or Peacock. Many PGA Tour events are also available on PGA Tour Live, which is a dedicated streaming service. Having a backup plan is always smart.

FAQ

  • What channel is The Masters on?

The Masters Tournament is primarily broadcast on CBS for weekend coverage (Saturday and Sunday). ESPN typically airs the first two rounds (Thursday and Friday). You can also find coverage on the Masters website and app.

  • Where can I watch the U.S. Open golf tournament?

Coverage of the U.S. Open is primarily broadcast on NBC, with early-round coverage usually found on the Golf Channel. Check the USGA website or the PGA Tour schedule for the most current broadcast details.

  • Is the PGA Championship broadcast on CBS or NBC?

The broadcast rights for the PGA Championship typically alternate between CBS and NBC each year. Golf Channel usually covers the early rounds. Always verify the specific year’s broadcast schedule on the PGA Tour website or the PGA of America’s official channels.

  • How can I watch PGA Tour events if I don’t have cable?

You have several options. Many PGA Tour events broadcast on NBC can be streamed live via Peacock. Events on CBS can often be streamed through Paramount+. Golf Channel coverage is available through services that include the channel, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV. Additionally, PGA Tour Live offers a dedicated streaming service for many events outside of their primary broadcast windows.

  • Does Golf Channel show all PGA Tour events?

Golf Channel shows early-round coverage for most PGA Tour events, and often provides coverage of the majors as well. However, the main weekend coverage of many PGA Tour events shifts to the broadcast networks like CBS and NBC. So, while it’s essential for comprehensive viewing, it’s not the sole channel for all PGA Tour action.

  • What is the difference between PGA Tour Live and regular network broadcasts?

PGA Tour Live is a direct-to-consumer streaming service that provides additional coverage, often focusing on featured groups, featured holes, and international feeds. It complements the traditional broadcast coverage on CBS, NBC, and Golf Channel, allowing fans to watch more golf outside of the main broadcast windows. It’s great for following specific players or getting a more in-depth look at the course.

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