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How to Watch The American Express Golf Tournament: Step-by-Step Guide

ByThe Golfer

← Major Golf Events & Tournaments | Tickets & Event Information


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Quick Answer

  • Catch live action on ESPN+ and Golf Channel.
  • Check NBC for over-the-air broadcasts.
  • Stream it all on services like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV.

Who This is For

  • Golf junkies who live for tournament season.
  • Anyone needing the lowdown on catching The American Express specifically.

What to Check First for Viewing The American Express

  • Subscription Status: Make sure your ESPN+, Golf Channel, or NBC subscription is active. No point tuning in if you can’t get the signal.
  • Local Listings: Double-check your local NBC affiliate schedule. Times can vary by region.
  • Internet Speed: If you’re streaming, give your connection a quick once-over. Laggy golf is no fun.
  • Device Access: Know where you’ll be watching – Smart TV, streaming stick, laptop? Have it ready.

Step-by-Step Plan to Watch The American Express Golf Tournament

Alright, let’s get you set up. It’s pretty straightforward if you know where to look.

1. Identify Broadcast Channels: Action: Know the primary networks carrying the event. What to look for: ESPN+, Golf Channel, and NBC are your main players. Mistake: Thinking one channel has every minute of action. They often split coverage, with ESPN+ usually kicking things off and Golf Channel/NBC taking over later rounds or specific segments.

2. Verify TV Provider or Streaming Service: Action: Confirm your subscription actually gets you the channels. What to look for: Check your package details for ESPN+, Golf Channel, and NBC. Many cable providers and live TV streaming services offer these, but sometimes they’re in a sports tier or an add-on package. Mistake: Assuming your basic cable or streaming plan includes everything. You might need a sports tier or a specific add-on to catch all the action, especially if you want to follow specific players or groups throughout the day.

3. Determine Your Viewing Platform: Action: Decide how you’ll watch. What to look for: A Smart TV app, a streaming stick like Roku or Fire Stick, your gaming console, or even your computer browser. Mistake: Planning to watch on your phone when you have a big TV that’s perfect for golf. While mobile viewing is convenient, the immersive experience on a larger screen is hard to beat for following the nuances of a professional tournament.

4. Check the Official Schedule: Action: Lock in the exact start times and know when each channel takes over. What to look for: The official tournament website or the networks’ own schedules are gold. Pay close attention to the Eastern Time (ET) start and finish times, and then cross-reference with your local time zone. Mistake: Relying on a buddy’s text message or a generic sports app. Schedules can change unexpectedly due to weather or other broadcast needs, so always trust the official source.

5. Access ESPN+ for Early Coverage: Action: Log into your ESPN+ account. What to look for: Look for “The American Express” in the live events section. This is where you’ll often find featured groups or early-round coverage before the main broadcast begins. Mistake: Forgetting that ESPN+ often has exclusive content that isn’t shown on traditional TV. You might miss out on seeing your favorite players’ early swings if you don’t check this platform.

6. Tune into Golf Channel and NBC: Action: Switch to Golf Channel for mid-day coverage and NBC for weekend primetime viewing. What to look for: The broadcast windows for each network. Golf Channel usually covers more of the early and mid-rounds, while NBC often picks up the final rounds or key moments, especially on Saturday and Sunday. Mistake: Missing the transition between networks. You might think the broadcast has ended only to find it’s moved to a different channel.

7. Utilize Streaming Service Apps: Action: Open the app for your chosen live TV streaming service (Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, etc.). What to look for: Navigate to the Golf Channel or NBC within the app. Ensure your service plan includes these channels. Mistake: Not realizing that some streaming services might require a specific sports package to access Golf Channel. Always double-check the channel lineup before the tournament begins.

8. Stay Updated on Leaderboard and Player Tracking: Action: Use the PGA Tour app or the networks’ websites. What to look for: Real-time leaderboards, player tracking, and course maps. This helps you follow your favorite golfers even if they aren’t currently on the main broadcast. Mistake: Only watching the TV feed and not leveraging digital tools. These apps can provide a much richer viewing experience, allowing you to dive deeper into the tournament’s dynamics.

How to Watch The American Express Golf Tournament Without Cable

You don’t need a traditional cable hookup anymore. Here’s how to get your golf fix and follow the pros without being tied to a cable company. The American Express is known for its unique stadium course and pro-am format, making it a must-watch for many golf fans.

  • Mistake: Thinking you must have cable to watch premium sports. Why it matters: You’re missing out on flexible and often more affordable streaming options that provide access to the same channels. Fix: Sign up for a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV. These services offer packages that include Golf Channel and NBC, allowing you to watch The American Express on various devices, just like cable. I personally use YouTube TV and it’s been a solid choice for all the major sports.
  • Mistake: Not checking the specific channel lineup of streaming services before subscribing. Why it matters: Not all plans are created equal. Some might offer NBC but not Golf Channel, or vice versa, leaving you with incomplete coverage. Fix: Carefully review the channel list for each streaming service’s different subscription tiers. Look specifically for both Golf Channel and your local NBC affiliate to ensure you have comprehensive access.
  • Mistake: Forgetting about ESPN+. Why it matters: ESPN+ often has exclusive early coverage, featured groups, and expanded content for major tournaments like The American Express. It’s a separate subscription but usually quite affordable. Fix: A separate ESPN+ subscription is usually inexpensive and gives you access to a wealth of golf content beyond just the main broadcast, including on-demand replays and analysis.
  • Mistake: Waiting until the last minute to sign up for a streaming service or ESPN+. Why it matters: Some services offer free trials, but you need time to set them up, log in, and test them on your devices to avoid any last-minute technical headaches. Fix: Sign up for your chosen streaming service and ESPN+ a day or two before the tournament begins. This gives you ample time to familiarize yourself with the interface and ensure everything is working smoothly so you don’t miss a single shot.
  • Mistake: Assuming a free trial covers all the necessary channels. Why it matters: While free trials are great, they might be for a basic package that doesn’t include Golf Channel. Fix: Always verify that the specific trial package you’re signing up for includes both Golf Channel and NBC. If not, you might need to upgrade to a paid tier during the trial period.
  • Mistake: Not having a reliable internet connection. Why it matters: Streaming live sports requires a stable and reasonably fast internet connection. Buffering or dropped connections can ruin the viewing experience. Fix: Before the tournament starts, test your internet speed. Most streaming services recommend at least 5 Mbps for HD quality, but 10-25 Mbps or higher is ideal for a smooth, buffer-free experience, especially during peak viewing times.

FAQ

  • What are the main channels for watching The American Express?

You’ll primarily find coverage on ESPN+, Golf Channel, and NBC. ESPN+ often provides early-round and featured group coverage, while Golf Channel and NBC handle the bulk of the live broadcast, particularly during later rounds and weekends.

  • Is The American Express available on ESPN+?

Yes, ESPN+ typically carries significant portions of the tournament coverage. This often includes early morning coverage, featured groups, and sometimes even full rounds that aren’t broadcast on linear TV. It’s a great way to get more golf for your buck.

  • Can I watch The American Express without a cable subscription?

Absolutely. Live TV streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV are excellent alternatives to traditional cable. Combined with a subscription to ESPN+, these services provide comprehensive access to all the necessary channels for watching The American Express.

  • Are there different broadcast times for different regions?

Yes, NBC broadcasts are subject to local affiliate schedules and can vary slightly by region. Always check your local NBC listings for the most accurate start times in your area. ESPN+ and Golf Channel generally adhere to Eastern Time (ET) for their national schedules, but it’s always wise to confirm.

  • Where can I find the most up-to-date schedule?

The official PGA Tour website or the broadcast networks’ official websites (Golf Channel, NBC Sports) are your most reliable sources for the most current and accurate broadcast schedule. These sites will have detailed tee times and channel information.

  • What is the format of The American Express?

The American Express is played over four days at three different courses in La Quinta, California: PGA West Stadium Course, PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club. It features a unique pro-am format where professionals are paired with amateurs for the first three rounds. The final round is typically played exclusively by the professionals on the Stadium Course.

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