What Time Does The PGA Championship End: TV Schedule Guide
The PGA Championship usually ends between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday in the United States. The televised final-round coverage often ends near 7:00 p.m. ET, but the exact finish depends on tee times, weather, pace of play, and whether a playoff is needed.
For viewers in the U.S., the safest plan is to keep the afternoon and early evening open. The final group normally reaches the 18th hole in the early evening, though a close finish or delay can push the ending later.
What time does the PGA Championship end on Sunday?
The PGA Championship does not have one fixed ending time. It ends when the final group completes the 18th hole and any playoff is finished.
A typical Sunday schedule looks like this:
| Event stage | Approximate U.S. Eastern Time |
|---|---|
| Final round begins | 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. |
| Leaders tee off | 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Final group reaches the back nine | 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| Final group finishes | 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Trophy presentation | Shortly after the final result |
These are general estimates, not guaranteed times. The PGA of America sets the final-round pairings and tee times based on the tournament standings and course conditions.
The last group usually takes about four and a half to five hours to complete 18 holes. That time can increase if players wait for rulings, search for balls, or face difficult weather and course conditions.
When does PGA Championship TV coverage end?
In the United States, final-round television coverage often runs through the late afternoon and early evening. CBS commonly carries the main Sunday broadcast, while ESPN and other platforms may show earlier coverage.
A scheduled broadcast end near 7:00 p.m. ET does not always mean the golf will be over at exactly 7:00. The network may extend coverage if:
- The leaders have not finished.
- A playoff is about to begin.
- A playoff is already underway.
- A weather delay has changed the schedule.
- The final holes produce a close result.
- The trophy ceremony is still taking place.
The broadcast can also end before the official tournament conclusion if the network schedule changes or coverage moves to another platform. Check the current listings from CBS Sports, ESPN, the PGA Championship website, or your TV provider for the most reliable schedule.
What time does the final group usually tee off?
The final group often tees off between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. Tournament officials adjust the start time to fit the television window and the number of players who made the cut.
The final group may tee off earlier when:
- The tournament has a large number of players near the cut line.
- Weather threatens the afternoon.
- Officials need to complete the event before sunset.
- The course is expected to play slowly.
The final group may tee off later when:
- There are fewer players in the final round.
- The tournament uses larger gaps between groups.
- The event is built around a later television window.
- Earlier rounds finish without delays.
A simple estimate can help you predict the finish:
Final group tee time + about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours = likely finish time
For example, if the final group tees off at 2:00 p.m. ET, the tournament may end between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET.
How the golf course location changes the end time
The PGA Championship takes place at a different U.S. course each year. The course location changes the local time and can affect the television schedule.
Use this conversion guide when checking the local course time:
| Course time zone | Eastern Time conversion |
|---|---|
| Eastern | Same time |
| Central | Add 1 hour |
| Mountain | Add 2 hours |
| Pacific | Add 3 hours |
For example, a finish at 6:30 p.m. local time in California would be 9:30 p.m. ET. A finish at 6:30 p.m. local time in Texas would be 7:30 p.m. ET.
Most national U.S. schedules are listed in Eastern Time. Always check whether a listing says ET, CT, MT, or PT before planning to watch.
The course location also affects sunset. A late Sunday start at a western venue may allow more daylight, while an eastern venue may have a narrower window before darkness.
Can the PGA Championship end later than expected?
Yes. The most common reason is a playoff.
If two or more players are tied after 72 holes, the PGA Championship uses a three-hole aggregate playoff. The players complete three holes, and the lowest score wins. If they remain tied, the playoff continues on a sudden-death basis.
A playoff can add:
- About 20 to 45 minutes for the three-hole stage.
- More time if sudden death is required.
- Extra time for players to move between holes.
- Additional time for television coverage and the awards ceremony.
Weather is another major cause of a late finish. Lightning, heavy rain, strong winds, or unsafe course conditions can stop play. Officials may resume the final round later the same day or on Monday.
A long rules review can also delay the result. This may happen when a ball’s location, a penalty, or an out-of-bounds ruling affects the leaderboard.
How to find the exact PGA Championship finish time
The official schedule is the best source because the finish time can change during the final round.
Follow these steps:
- Check the official PGA Championship website. Look for Sunday tee times, pairings, and live scoring.
- Confirm the course location. Identify the local time zone before reading the schedule.
- Check the final group’s tee time. Add about four and a half to five hours.
- Review the TV listing. Confirm which network carries the final-round coverage.
- Watch live scoring late on Sunday. A playoff or delay may change the expected finish.
- Check official PGA Championship or PGA of America updates if weather interrupts play.
Live scoring is more useful than a fixed program guide once the leaders are on the course. A television listing shows the planned window. The leaderboard shows what is actually happening.
PGA Championship end-time examples
The following examples show how to estimate the ending time. They are hypothetical calculations, not fixed tournament schedules.
Example 1: Normal Sunday finish
- Final group tee time: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Estimated round length: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Expected finish: about 6:40 p.m. ET
Example 2: Slow round
- Final group tee time: 2:30 p.m. ET
- Estimated round length: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Expected finish: about 7:45 p.m. ET
Example 3: Playoff
- Final group finishes regulation at 6:50 p.m. ET
- Three-hole playoff: about 30 minutes
- Expected tournament finish: about 7:20 p.m. ET or later
Example 4: Central Time venue
- Final group finishes at 6:45 p.m. local time
- Course is in the Central Time Zone
- Eastern Time equivalent: 7:45 p.m. ET
The main lesson is simple: the final group’s tee time gives a useful estimate, but it cannot account for every delay or playoff.
What can cause the PGA Championship to finish early or late?
Several factors affect the final result time.
Weather delays
Lightning is a major concern because play must stop when conditions become unsafe. Rain alone may not always stop play, but standing water, poor visibility, and dangerous wind can lead to a suspension.
Pace of play
The final group may take longer than expected on a difficult course. Narrow fairways, thick rough, fast greens, and complex rules decisions can slow the round.
Number of players
The number of players in the final round affects the starting schedule. A crowded leaderboard can require more groups and earlier tee times.
Close leaderboard
A close contest may keep television coverage on the air longer. Producers may follow several groups if multiple players still have a chance to win.
Playoff
A tie after 72 holes is the clearest reason the event may finish after the planned broadcast window.
Darkness
If officials cannot complete the round before darkness, the remaining holes may be played the next day. This is less common when the final round is scheduled early, but it remains possible after a long delay.
How long does a PGA Championship final round take?
A final round normally takes about four and a half to five hours for the last group. The full Sunday broadcast lasts longer because coverage may begin before the leaders tee off and continue through the trophy presentation.
A player’s round can take longer when the course is crowded. Golf is played in groups, and each player must wait for the group ahead before hitting many shots.
The final group may also move more slowly because:
- Every shot has a major effect on the leaderboard.
- Players take extra care on important putts.
- Officials may review possible penalties.
- Crowds and television operations can affect movement.
- Players may need to wait for groups ahead.
The winner is not official when the leader reaches the 18th green. The score must be confirmed, and any possible rules issue must be resolved.
What time should you start watching?
If you want to see the leaders and the finish, start watching at least 30 minutes before the final group tees off. This gives you time to see the leaderboard, player introductions, and early shots.
For a typical Sunday:
- Start around 1:00 p.m. ET if the final group tees off near 1:30 p.m.
- Start around 1:30 p.m. ET if the final group tees off near 2:00 p.m.
- Stay available until at least 7:30 p.m. ET if the leaderboard is close.
If you only want the winner’s final holes, check the live leaderboard rather than relying on the program schedule. The final group may finish earlier or later than the listed broadcast end.
Viewers in the United States should also check whether early coverage is on ESPN+, ESPN, CBS, or another authorized service. Rights and schedules can change by tournament year.
Common mistakes when checking the PGA Championship end time
The most common mistake is treating the listed TV end time as the official end of the tournament. These are different times.
Avoid these errors:
- Ignoring the time zone: A local course time may not match Eastern Time.
- Assuming the schedule cannot change: Weather and play speed can shift the finish.
- Forgetting the playoff rule: A tie can extend coverage after regulation.
- Checking only a program guide: The guide may not show live schedule changes.
- Assuming the trophy ceremony marks the final shot: The ceremony takes place after the result is confirmed.
- Using an old schedule: Tee times and broadcast plans change each year.
For the most accurate answer, combine the official tee times with live scoring and a current network listing.
Key takeaways
- The PGA Championship usually ends between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- Main U.S. television coverage often ends near 7:00 p.m. ET, but it may be extended.
- The final group usually tees off between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. ET.
- A playoff, storm, slow play, or rules review can delay the finish.
- Check the official PGA Championship schedule for the exact year, course, tee times, and broadcast details.
FAQs
Does the PGA Championship always end on Sunday?
No. It usually ends on Sunday, but a weather delay or another suspension can push the conclusion to Monday. A playoff can also extend the Sunday finish into the evening.
What time does the PGA Championship end in Central Time?
If the tournament ends between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, it ends between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Check the official schedule for the actual venue and date.
What happens if players are tied after 72 holes?
The tied players enter a three-hole aggregate playoff. If they remain tied, the championship continues with sudden death until one player wins a hole.
Is the PGA Championship broadcast available after the scheduled end time?
It can be. Networks may extend live coverage for a playoff, weather delay, or unfinished final holes. Check the network’s live stream or updated program listing.
Where can I check the exact PGA Championship finish time?
Use the official PGA Championship website for tee times and live scoring. You can also check the current listings from CBS Sports and ESPN.
Conclusion
For most U.S. viewers, plan for the PGA Championship to finish around 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, with a wider expected range of 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. The final group’s tee time gives the best starting estimate, but weather, pace of play, and a possible playoff can change the result.
Check the official PGA Championship schedule on the day of the final round for the most accurate finish time.
