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What Channel Is the PGA Tour On?

ByMichael Reeves

← Major Golf Events & Tournaments | Professional Tour Championships


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Quick Answer

  • Catch most PGA Tour action on CBS and NBC.
  • ESPN+ and Peacock are your go-to for full digital coverage.
  • Always check the specific tournament schedule, as channels can vary.

Who This PGA Tour Viewing Guide Is For

  • Golf fans looking to catch live PGA Tour events without missing a shot.
  • Anyone who wants to understand the broadcast landscape for different tournaments and streaming options.

What to Check First for PGA Tour Broadcasts

  • Know the Tournament: What specific event are you trying to watch? The Masters has different coverage than a standard FedExCup event.
  • Official Schedule is King: Hit up the PGA Tour’s official website or app. They lay out exactly who’s broadcasting what, and when. This is your most reliable intel.
  • Your TV Package: Confirm your cable or satellite subscription includes CBS and NBC. If you’re cutting the cord, know which local channels you can access.
  • Streaming Subscriptions: If you’re leaning into digital, know which streaming services (like ESPN+, Peacock, etc.) have the rights for that specific event. Don’t get caught without the right pass.
  • Time Zones: Make sure you’re checking the schedule for your local time. Nothing worse than thinking coverage starts an hour later than it actually does.

Step-by-Step Plan: Finding What Channel the PGA Tour Is On

1. Identify the Specific PGA Tour Event.

  • Action: Pinpoint the exact tournament you want to watch, like the Memorial Tournament or the BMW Championship.
  • What to look for: The full tournament name and its scheduled dates. This is your starting point for all further checks.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming all PGA Tour events are broadcast on the same network or have identical coverage. The broadcast landscape is more complex than a single fairway.

2. Consult the Official PGA Tour Schedule.

  • Action: Navigate to the official PGA Tour website or use their mobile app.
  • What to look for: The broadcast partners listed for each day and round of the specific tournament. This is your definitive source for broadcast information.
  • Mistake to avoid: Relying on outdated information from social media posts or unofficial fan forums. Always go straight to the source for accuracy.

3. Verify Your TV Provider’s Channel Lineup.

  • Action: Check your cable or satellite provider’s channel guide or online portal.
  • What to look for: Confirm that CBS and NBC are included in your package and note their specific channel numbers for your region.
  • Mistake to avoid: Thinking you know the channel number by heart. Local channel assignments can vary significantly by zip code, and they can even change. Double-checking saves you a lot of frustration.

4. Evaluate Streaming Service Options.

  • Action: Research the streaming services that will carry the tournament you’re interested in.
  • What to look for: Which services (e.g., ESPN+, Peacock) offer live coverage, the extent of that coverage (early rounds, featured groups), and any associated costs or subscription tiers.
  • Mistake to avoid: Subscribing to a streaming service without confirming it provides the specific PGA Tour coverage you need. You might end up with only partial access, missing key moments.

5. Explore Additional Digital Platforms.

  • Action: Investigate any dedicated PGA Tour apps, websites, or partner platforms that might offer exclusive content or alternative viewing angles.
  • What to look for: Features like “featured groups,” “featured holes,” or “on-demand” replays that might not be available on traditional broadcast channels.
  • Mistake to avoid: Overlooking these platforms and missing out on supplementary content that can enhance your viewing experience. Sometimes the best shots aren’t on the main feed.

6. Set Reminders for Broadcast Times.

  • Action: Once you’ve confirmed the channel and time, set reminders on your phone or smart device.
  • What to look for: The start times for each broadcast window, keeping your local time zone in mind.
  • Mistake to avoid: Getting distracted or forgetting about the broadcast. Golf tournaments can span several hours, and missing the start can mean missing crucial early action.

PGA Tour Broadcasts: Your Channel Guide

When you’re trying to catch the PGA Tour, knowing where to tune in is half the battle. In the United States, the lion’s share of weekend action lands on CBS and NBC [1]. These are your bedrock broadcast channels, delivering the marquee matchups and dramatic finishes. But if you’re a true golf fanatic who wants to follow every swing from the opening tee shot to the final putt, you’ll often need to look beyond traditional TV. That’s where streaming services like ESPN+ and Peacock come into play. ESPN+ is a powerhouse, offering extensive coverage that often starts earlier in the day and includes featured groups and holes that might not make the network broadcast. Peacock also plays a significant role, especially for tournaments that have strong ties to NBC’s broadcast umbrella. It’s a bit of a mosaic, but once you understand the main players, finding your favorite event becomes much simpler. I learned this the hard way trying to catch a playoff hole a few years back and ended up on a random Spanish channel. Not ideal.

PGA Tour Coverage: Find the Right Channel

Navigating the PGA Tour broadcast channels can sometimes feel like reading the greens on a challenging course at Augusta National. The main networks, CBS and NBC, typically handle the prime weekend viewing slots for most events [3]. For those who demand more comprehensive coverage, including early-round action and exclusive digital content, streaming services are essential. ESPN+ is a consistent go-to, providing deep dives into the tournaments that go well beyond what you’ll see on your living room television. Similarly, Peacock offers a robust selection of PGA Tour content, often complementing NBC’s broadcast schedule. It’s important to remember that broadcast rights can shift, especially for the prestigious major championships or international series. Your most reliable bet for accurate information is always the official PGA Tour schedule [4]. This resource is meticulously updated and will tell you precisely what channel the PGA Tour is on for that specific week, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the action.

Common Mistakes When Looking for PGA Tour Broadcasts

  • Mistake: Assuming a single channel broadcasts all PGA Tour events.
  • Why it matters: The PGA Tour’s broadcast rights are split. CBS and NBC cover most events, but some tournaments or specific rounds might be exclusive to streaming services like ESPN+ or Peacock. You could easily miss out on key segments if you only check one or two spots.
  • Fix: Always consult the official PGA Tour schedule for the specific tournament you want to watch. It breaks down who is broadcasting what, and when.
  • Mistake: Not checking streaming service specifics.
  • Why it matters: Streaming platforms can offer different tiers of access. Some might only show partial coverage, require an additional sports package, or have blackout restrictions. You don’t want to pay for a service only to find out it doesn’t have the full tournament you were hoping to watch.
  • Fix: Before subscribing or logging in, carefully review the streaming platform’s PGA Tour offerings for the specific event. Look for details on early rounds, featured groups, and full-round coverage.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to verify local channel numbers.
  • Why it matters: CBS and NBC channel numbers are not universal; they vary significantly by region and cable/satellite provider. Tuning into the wrong channel number means you’ll miss the broadcast entirely, leading to missed putts and dramatic swings.
  • Fix: Always confirm your local channel lineup for CBS and NBC through your TV provider’s guide or website before the tournament begins. A quick check can save you a lot of hassle.
  • Mistake: Relying on memory from previous years.
  • Why it matters: Broadcast rights and partnerships can change from season to season. A tournament that was on NBC last year might shift its primary coverage to CBS or a streaming platform this year. What was true yesterday might not be true today.
  • Fix: Make it a habit to always confirm the current season’s broadcast schedule on the official PGA Tour website or app. Treat each tournament as a fresh check.
  • Mistake: Not accounting for time zone differences.
  • Why it matters: PGA Tour events are broadcast live across the country, and start times are often listed in Eastern Time. If you’re in the Pacific or Mountain Time zone, you could miss the opening holes if you don’t adjust.
  • Fix: Always cross-reference the broadcast times with your local time zone. Most tournament schedules will provide options or clearly state the primary time zone used.
  • Mistake: Underestimating the value of “featured group” coverage.
  • Why it matters: While CBS and NBC show the main action, streaming services often provide hours of “featured group” coverage, highlighting specific players or groups of interest throughout the round. This is where you often see incredible shots and player reactions that don’t make the main broadcast.
  • Fix: Explore the streaming options for featured group coverage. It’s a fantastic way to get more in-depth viewing and follow your favorite players more closely.

FAQ About PGA Tour Broadcast Channels

  • What are the main channels for PGA Tour events?

In the United States, CBS and NBC are the primary broadcast networks for most PGA Tour events, particularly for weekend coverage. These are your go-to channels for the biggest moments.

  • Is the PGA Tour available on streaming services?

Absolutely. ESPN+ and Peacock are key streaming platforms that offer comprehensive PGA Tour coverage. They often provide early-round action, featured groups, and exclusive digital content that extends beyond traditional television broadcasts.

  • How can I find out what channel a specific PGA Tour tournament is on?

The most reliable method is to check the official PGA Tour schedule on their website or mobile app. This resource is meticulously updated and lists the exact broadcast partners and times for each event and day.

  • Do I need different subscriptions for different tournaments?

Generally, if you have CBS and NBC through your cable or satellite provider, you’re covered for their broadcasts. For streaming, ESPN+ and Peacock cover many events, but it’s always wise to verify for the specific tournament you’re interested in, as rights can vary.

  • What about major championships like the Masters or The Open Championship?

These major championships often have dedicated broadcast partners. For instance, CBS typically broadcasts the Masters, while NBC covers The Open Championship in the US. Always check the official websites for these majors or the PGA Tour schedule for their specific broadcast and streaming details.

  • Can I watch the PGA Tour on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Most major networks and streaming services offer apps that allow you to watch PGA Tour coverage on your mobile devices. You’ll typically need to log in with your TV provider or streaming subscription credentials.

  • What if I live outside the US?

Broadcast coverage varies significantly by country. You’ll need to check the official PGA Tour website and look for international broadcast partners specific to your region or explore global streaming options that might be available.

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