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Where to Watch the PGA Golf Tour

ByMichael Reeves

← Major Golf Events & Tournaments | Professional Tour Championships


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Quick Answer

  • Catch PGA Tour action primarily on CBS, NBC, and the Golf Channel.
  • Broadcast channels and times shift depending on the specific tournament and which round you’re tuning in for.
  • Streaming is readily available through services like Peacock, Paramount+, and the dedicated PGA Tour Live.

For dedicated fans, ensuring you have access to the Golf Channel is key, as it broadcasts many PGA Tour events. You can easily subscribe to the Golf Channel to catch all the action.

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Who This Is For

  • Die-hard golf fans who want to keep tabs on every drive, putt, and chip throughout the PGA Tour season.
  • Casual viewers who just want to catch the big events, like the Masters, the U.S. Open, or The Open Championship, without missing a beat.

What to Check First

  • The Official PGA Tour Schedule: This is your most reliable source. It maps out precisely which network is broadcasting each event and when [1]. Don’t guess; check the schedule.
  • Your TV Provider’s Channel Lineup: Make sure your current cable or satellite package actually includes the networks that will be showing the golf. Sometimes, you might be missing a key channel.
  • Golf Channel Subscription Status: Since the Golf Channel is a major player in PGA Tour coverage, confirm that your subscription grants you access.
  • Streaming Service Subscriptions: If you’re going the streaming route, verify that your Peacock, Paramount+, or PGA Tour Live subscriptions are active and cover the tournaments you’re interested in. It’s easy to forget to renew.

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

1. Action: Navigate to the official PGA Tour website.

  • What to look for: Seek out the “Schedule” or “Broadcast Information” section. This is your definitive guide, laying out all the broadcast details for the entire season [2].
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming all PGA Tour events are broadcast on the same channel. The coverage is split across multiple networks, so a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work.

2. Action: Identify the specific golf tournament you’re eager to watch.

  • What to look for: The exact name of the tournament, its scheduled dates, and which rounds you plan to tune into. Knowing if you’re interested in Thursday’s opening rounds or the high-stakes weekend play is crucial.
  • Mistake to avoid: Not clarifying which round you want to watch. Early rounds might be on one network, while the championship rounds could be on another. It’s a common pitfall.

3. Action: Consult the detailed broadcast schedule for that particular tournament.

  • What to look for: The specific channels assigned to each day or round (e.g., CBS, NBC, Golf Channel) and their corresponding broadcast start times.
  • Mistake to avoid: Overlooking time zone differences. Most schedules are listed in Eastern Time (ET). If you’re on the West Coast, that’s a significant time shift you need to account for. I’ve definitely missed the start of a round because I forgot about this!

4. Action: Review your streaming service subscriptions.

  • What to look for: Determine which streaming platform carries the specific tournament or round you want to stream. This might involve checking Peacock for NBC’s coverage or Paramount+ for CBS’s broadcasts [5].
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming all streaming options are included in a basic subscription package. Some networks or specific tournament streams might require an additional add-on or a premium tier.

Navigating PGA Tour Broadcasts: What Channel to Watch?

The PGA Tour isn’t confined to a single channel. It’s a multi-network affair, and knowing where to look is key to catching all the action, especially during major championships. This is where understanding the broadcast landscape really pays off.

  • Mistake: Only checking one network’s schedule for PGA Tour events.
  • Why it matters: PGA Tour coverage is strategically divided among CBS, NBC, and the Golf Channel. If you only check one, you’re guaranteed to miss significant portions of the tournament [3]. For example, the Masters is primarily on CBS, while the U.S. Open might be split between NBC and the Golf Channel.
  • Fix: Always start with the official PGA Tour schedule. Then, cross-reference with the individual schedules of CBS, NBC, and the Golf Channel to get the complete picture. This ensures you don’t miss a single crucial shot.
  • Mistake: Assuming the Golf Channel has exclusive rights to all PGA Tour broadcasts.
  • Why it matters: While the Golf Channel is a constant presence, CBS and NBC are the primary broadcasters for many of the most prestigious tournaments, particularly during the weekend rounds when the pressure is highest. They carry the bulk of the major championship coverage.
  • Fix: Make it a habit to check the CBS and NBC schedules for tournament days. They often have the prime-time coverage and the final rounds of events like the Players Championship or the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
  • Mistake: Forgetting about time zone differences when checking broadcast times.
  • Why it matters: Broadcast schedules are almost universally listed in Eastern Time (ET). If you live in a different time zone, like Mountain Time or Pacific Time, the start times will be significantly earlier than what’s posted. Missing the start of the final round because you didn’t convert the time is a real bummer.
  • Fix: Before you plan your viewing, always convert the listed broadcast times to your local time zone. A quick search for “ET to [your time zone] converter” will do the trick. It’s a simple step that guarantees you won’t miss the opening tee shots.
  • Mistake: Not having the correct streaming services subscribed to for cord-cutters.
  • Why it matters: A growing number of golf fans have ditched traditional cable. If you’re among them, you need to ensure your streaming subscriptions align with the broadcast networks carrying the PGA Tour events you want to watch [5].
  • Fix: Confirm that your Peacock subscription covers NBC’s golf broadcasts, Paramount+ covers CBS’s golf broadcasts, and that PGA Tour Live is set up for any events not covered by those networks. Sometimes, specific tournament streams might be exclusive to one platform.
  • Mistake: Relying on outdated information for broadcast schedules.
  • Why it matters: Broadcast rights and schedules can sometimes change, especially for specific events or international broadcasts. Using old information can lead you to the wrong channel or streaming service.
  • Fix: Always prioritize the most current information available, primarily from the official PGA Tour website or the networks themselves. A quick double-check closer to the tournament date can save you frustration.
  • Mistake: Missing the availability of bonus coverage or featured groups.
  • Why it matters: Beyond the main broadcast, networks and streaming services often offer additional content, like featured groups or specific holes coverage. This can provide a deeper dive into the action.
  • Fix: Explore the PGA Tour Live app or the streaming platforms associated with CBS and NBC. They often provide these supplementary streams, giving you more ways to follow your favorite players.
  • Mistake: Not checking for local broadcasts or regional sports networks.
  • Why it matters: While major networks cover most events, some smaller tournaments or specific regional broadcasts might be handled by local affiliates or regional sports networks that aren’t part of a standard national package.
  • Fix: For less prominent events, check local listings or the tournament’s specific website for any unique broadcast arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the main channels that broadcast the PGA Tour?

The primary broadcast partners for the PGA Tour are CBS, NBC, and the Golf Channel. These networks cover the majority of tournaments throughout the season, with specific assignments varying by event and round [4].

  • Does the Golf Channel show all PGA Tour events?

No, the Golf Channel broadcasts many PGA Tour events, but it does not have exclusive rights to all of them. CBS and NBC are crucial broadcasters, especially for weekend coverage of major championships and other significant tournaments. Always check the official schedule.

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

If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream PGA Tour events through various services. NBC’s coverage is typically available on Peacock, CBS’s broadcasts can be streamed on Paramount+, and the PGA Tour Live service offers extensive live streaming of many tournaments, often including early rounds and featured groups not shown on traditional TV [5].

  • Are all rounds of a tournament on the same channel?

Not usually. It’s common for early rounds (Thursday and Friday) to be broadcast on the Golf Channel, while the weekend rounds (Saturday and Sunday), especially the final rounds, often shift to the more prominent networks like CBS or NBC. This division helps maximize viewership for the most exciting parts of the competition.

  • Where can I find the most up-to-date broadcast information for PGA Tour events?

The most reliable and up-to-date source for broadcast schedules is the official PGA Tour website. They maintain a comprehensive schedule that details which network or streaming service is carrying each tournament and each round [4]. Checking here before the tournament begins is always the best practice.

  • What is PGA Tour Live, and how does it differ from TV broadcasts?

PGA Tour Live is a premium streaming service that offers extensive live coverage of PGA Tour events. It typically includes early-round coverage, featured groups, and specific holes that might not be shown on the main television broadcast. It’s a great option for dedicated fans who want to follow specific players or see more golf than is available on linear TV.

  • How do I know if a specific tournament is a “major” and which channel will show it?

The four major championships are the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship (British Open). Each major has a primary broadcast partner that typically remains consistent year to year: the Masters on CBS, the PGA Championship on CBS and ESPN, the U.S. Open on NBC and Peacock, and The Open Championship on NBC and Peacock. However, it’s always wise to verify the specific broadcast partners for the current year.

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