What Channel Is PGA Championship On: TV Guide
In the United States, the PGA Championship is usually shown on ESPN and CBS. ESPN carries much of the early-round coverage, while CBS typically broadcasts the main weekend rounds. ESPN+ may also offer early tee times, featured groups, and extra coverage.
TV windows can change each year. Check the official PGA Championship schedule before the tournament starts for exact times and channel listings.
What channel is the PGA Championship on in the U.S.?
The PGA Championship uses more than one network in the United States.
| Tournament coverage | Usual U.S. outlet |
|---|---|
| Early Thursday coverage | ESPN and ESPN+ |
| Friday coverage | ESPN and ESPN+ |
| Saturday coverage | CBS, with additional ESPN+ coverage |
| Sunday final round | CBS and ESPN+ |
| Featured groups and extra streams | ESPN+ |
| Online TV coverage | ESPN app, CBS platforms, or a live TV service |
The main TV answer is ESPN for the opening rounds and CBS for the final rounds. This arrangement lets viewers watch both regular television coverage and additional online feeds.
For the exact broadcast window, use the official PGA Championship website and the CBS Sports golf schedule.
PGA Championship TV schedule by round
The PGA Championship runs from Thursday through Sunday. The broadcast plan normally changes as the event moves from the opening rounds to the weekend.
Thursday: First round
ESPN generally carries the first round on cable television. ESPN+ can provide earlier coverage before the main ESPN window begins.
The first round often has many players on the course at once. Early streaming coverage may help if you want to follow a group that tees off before the main TV window.
Friday: Second round
ESPN normally remains the primary network for Friday coverage. ESPN+ may show featured groups, selected holes, and additional live feeds.
Friday is also when the cut usually takes effect. Players who do not meet the cut score do not play on Saturday or Sunday.
Saturday: Third round
CBS usually becomes the main broadcast network on Saturday. ESPN+ may still carry extra coverage outside the main CBS window.
Saturday coverage often focuses on players near the lead. The broadcast may also show important battles for the final places on the leaderboard.
Sunday: Final round
CBS normally broadcasts the final round. This is the main network window for the tournament finish, including the closing holes and the presentation of the Wanamaker Trophy.
ESPN+ may offer alternate coverage, but CBS is generally the best choice for viewers who want the full final-round broadcast on regular television.
How to watch the PGA Championship without cable
You can watch the PGA Championship without a traditional cable package, but the best option depends on the round and the feed you want.
Use a live TV streaming service
Many live TV streaming services carry both ESPN and CBS. Availability can depend on your ZIP code, especially for local CBS access.
Before signing up, check these three details:
- The service includes ESPN.
- The service carries your local CBS station.
- The service works on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device.
A plan that includes only ESPN will not necessarily include CBS. That matters because CBS usually carries the final rounds.
Stream through ESPN+
ESPN+ is useful for early tee times, featured groups, and additional PGA Championship feeds. It does not replace every part of the TV schedule.
ESPN+ access also does not automatically provide the main ESPN cable channel. If the coverage is listed as ESPN rather than ESPN+, you may need a TV provider login or a live TV streaming plan that includes ESPN.
Watch CBS through its available platforms
CBS coverage may be available through the CBS Sports website, the CBS Sports app, or a supported live TV service. Login rules can vary by device and provider.
If you want the Sunday broadcast, confirm that your chosen service carries CBS in your area. National sports coverage can still depend on local station availability.
Does ESPN+ show the entire PGA Championship?
No. ESPN+ may show extensive PGA Championship coverage, but it is not always the same as the main ESPN or CBS broadcast.
ESPN+ is most useful for:
- Early morning coverage
- Featured groups
- Specific holes
- Extra camera feeds
- Practice-round content, when offered
- Coverage outside the main TV window
The main broadcast may include broader leaderboard coverage, studio analysis, interviews, and the final-round presentation. Check the ESPN app listing for the current event schedule.
Is the PGA Championship on the Golf Channel?
The Golf Channel is not normally the primary network for the PGA Championship tournament rounds. ESPN and CBS generally carry the main U.S. coverage.
The Golf Channel may discuss the event through news, previews, analysis, or recap programs. That is different from carrying the live championship broadcast.
Can I watch the PGA Championship for free?
You may be able to watch some coverage for free, but full access usually depends on your TV provider or streaming subscription.
Possible free or low-cost options include:
- An over-the-air antenna for local CBS coverage
- A free trial from an eligible live TV service
- Free clips, highlights, or leaderboard updates
- Public viewing at a sports bar or other venue
An antenna can receive CBS only when the local CBS station broadcasts in your area. It will not provide ESPN cable coverage or every ESPN+ stream.
Do not assume that a free online stream is legal or safe. Unofficial streams can contain harmful ads, false login pages, or unwanted software.
What time does PGA Championship coverage start?
The start time depends on the day, the broadcast network, and the tournament schedule.
Early streaming coverage can begin before regular television coverage. ESPN usually handles the main weekday TV window, while CBS generally takes the lead on the weekend.
Use the event schedule rather than a fixed time from an older article. Tee times can change because of weather, daylight, player withdrawals, or a suspension of play.
Time-zone guide
Tournament schedules are usually listed in Eastern Time. To convert:
- Central Time: subtract 1 hour
- Mountain Time: subtract 2 hours
- Pacific Time: subtract 3 hours
- Alaska Time: subtract 4 hours
- Hawaii-Aleutian Time: subtract 5 or 6 hours, depending on the date and location
For example, a 1 p.m. Eastern broadcast begins at noon Central, 11 a.m. Mountain, and 10 a.m. Pacific.
Why does the PGA Championship use ESPN and CBS?
The two-network format divides coverage across the tournament week.
ESPN is well suited to weekday sports coverage and extended daytime windows. CBS traditionally carries the most important weekend golf broadcasts, when the field is smaller and the tournament reaches its climax.
This split also explains why one service may not be enough. A viewer who wants every round may need access to ESPN, CBS, and ESPN+ coverage.
Common problems when trying to watch
“I have ESPN+ but cannot find the ESPN broadcast”
ESPN+ and the ESPN cable channel are different products. Look for the event listing marked ESPN+ or sign in through a provider that includes ESPN.
“CBS is missing from my streaming service”
Local CBS availability varies by location. Enter your ZIP code on the service’s channel list before subscribing.
“The broadcast is delayed”
Golf coverage can run late because of weather, slow play, playoff holes, or an earlier sporting event. Check the network’s live schedule and the PGA Championship leaderboard.
“I see a leaderboard but no live video”
A PGA Championship leaderboard is not the same as a live broadcast. The official site may provide scores and updates even when video coverage is unavailable in your region or outside the scheduled window.
“The stream keeps buffering”
Try these basic steps:
- Check your internet connection.
- Close other high-bandwidth apps.
- Update the streaming app.
- Restart the device.
- Lower the video quality if your connection is slow.
- Check whether the issue affects one service or all services.
Quick answer: ESPN or CBS?
Choose ESPN for most Thursday and Friday TV coverage. Choose CBS for the main Saturday and Sunday broadcasts. Choose ESPN+ for extra feeds, featured groups, and early coverage.
Because the schedule can change, confirm the current times on the official PGA Championship website before the event.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is the PGA Championship on today?
It depends on the tournament day. ESPN usually carries the opening rounds, and CBS usually carries the main weekend rounds. ESPN+ may carry extra coverage. Check the current PGA Championship schedule for the live listing.
What channel is the PGA Championship on Sunday?
CBS typically broadcasts the final round on Sunday. ESPN+ may offer additional coverage, depending on the year and schedule.
Can I watch the PGA Championship on my phone?
Yes. You can usually use the ESPN app, ESPN+, CBS Sports, or a supported live TV streaming app. Your access depends on the broadcast feed and your subscription or TV provider login.
Is the PGA Championship on NBC?
The PGA Championship is generally associated with ESPN and CBS in the United States, not NBC. Network rights can change, so check the current official listing for the specific year.
What is the best way to watch every PGA Championship round?
Use a service that includes ESPN and your local CBS station, then add ESPN+ if you want early coverage and featured-group streams. No single service should be assumed to carry every feed without checking its current channel and event listings.
Final answer
For U.S. viewers, the PGA Championship is generally on ESPN and CBS. ESPN usually shows the first two rounds, while CBS typically shows the weekend and final round. ESPN+ adds early coverage and alternate streams.
Before watching, confirm the exact start time, local CBS availability, and the difference between ESPN television coverage and ESPN+ streaming coverage.
