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PGA TOUR 2024

How to watch and stream the Golf Channel: Cheapest options, free trials & streaming guide

Cheapest choice

Peacock

The absolute lowest price to watch live major tournaments and PGA Tour simulcasts. Offers live event feeds but not the 24/7 linear channel news feed.

  • DVR capabilities: Full event replays
  • Simultaneous streams: 3
  • Free trial: No

Monthly from

$10.99

Get Peacock

The PGA Tour campaign is one of the most-watched sports events in the world, with fans tuning in across North America to catch the globe’s greatest golfers match drivers and irons across the beautiful fairways and majestic greens of some of the finest courses on the planet.

With more action than ever before available to watch, from all four days to practice sessions and more, the Golf Channel has established itself as a one-stop shop for fans who don’t want to miss a moment from several of the sport’s great events on a yearly basis.

The pay-television channel, launched in 1995 as a cable service by parent company NBC Universal, has forged a reputation as the nation’s leading provider of coverage from the course. It holds the rights to the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and PGA European Tour, in addition to other selected events and coverage of the Summer Olympics.

As one of the more popular pay television networks, the Golf Channel is also available as part of a variety of streaming packages that you can purchase in the United States, ensuring you won’t miss a moment.

How to watch the Golf Channel

You no longer need a traditional cable subscription to watch the world's best golfers. The Golf Channel is available on most major live TV streaming services, allowing you to watch the PGA Tour, LPGA, and DP World Tour on your phone, smart TV, or tablet.

However, not every service treats the channel the same. While YouTube TVand Hulu + Live TVinclude it in their standard plans, budget options like Sling TVrequire an add-on, and premium services like DirecTV Streamplace it in higher-tier packages.

Below is a quick comparison of the top providers to help you decide which service fits your budget.

The Golf Channel: Peacock vs Sling TV vs YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV vs DirecTV Stream

Streaming ServiceMonthly PriceGolf Channel Status
Peacock$10.99⚠️ Best Value
Sling TV~$62.00⚠️ Needs "Sports Extra"
YouTube TV$82.99✅ Included in Base
Hulu + Live TV$82.99✅ Included in Base
DirecTV Stream$84.99⚠️ Needs "Choice" Tier (or above)

Can I watch the Golf Channel for free?

Yes. If you want to watch a specific tournament this weekend, like The Masters or the U.S. Open, without paying a single dime, you can do so by strategically using free trials.

However, you must choose the right service, as some popular options (like Sling TV) do no offer free trials.

For long tournaments, YouTube TV or DIrecTV Stream are your safest bet for watching a full 4-day event. DirecTV Stream's free trial is five days, YouTube TV's varies but is generally between five to as long as 21 days.

Hulu + Live TV also has a three day free trial if this service is of most interest to you.

What is the Golf Channel?

PGA Champions Tour Jack NicklausGetty Images

Golf Channel is a premium pay television channel operated by the NBC Sports division and owned by NBC Universal. Launched in the late twentieth century, it is a network dedicated nearly exclusively to coverage of golf.

The channel broadcasts domestic and international coverage of golf tournaments around the globe, as well as documentary programming and archival replays of events from previous seasons, among other content.

What is on the Golf Channel?

PGA Golf Tour 2024 Phoenix Jordan SpiethGetty Images

The Golf Channel’s flagship draw is coverage of more than three dozen PGA Tour events every season, as well as events from other tours, such as the European Tour, LPGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and more.

Coverage of selected additional events, such as the men’s majors, is also included, as is the golf tournament from the Summer Olympics, which was first aired at Rio 2016. Occasionally, NBC Sports has used the channel as an “overflow” channel for coverage of the Premier League and the Stanley Cup playoffs, too.

Below, GOAL has explained in greater depth how to watch Golf Channel through each provider, allowing you to decide which streaming option is right for your home entertainment needs.

  • peacock logo image for promoPeacock

    Peacock

    If you can live without the 24/7 news feed and re-runs, Peacock is the undisputed value king. While it doesn't offer a continuous live stream of the Golf Channel linear network (like Sling or YouTube TV), it simulcasts the live tournament coverage produced by NBC and the Gold Channel.

    Which plan do you need? You must subscribe to Peacock Premium ($10.99/mo).

    • Warning: Do not sign up for the cheaper "Select" plan ($7.99/mo). That tier excludes live sports.
    • The Setup: You won't find a "channel guide" inside Peacock. Instead, when a tournament is live on the Golf Channel or NBC, a tile appears on the Peacock homepage allowing you to stream that specific broadcast live.

    Why Golf Fans Love Peacock

    • Exclusive Windows: Peacock is the only place to watch exclusive early-round coverage that airs before the TV broadcast starts.
    • Simulcasts: You get the exact same tournament broadcast as cable viewers for events airing on NBC and the Golf Channel (including the U.S. Open, The Open, and Ryder Cup).
    • Price: At $10.99, it is roughly $50 cheaper per month than the closest competitor (Sling TV). You can subscribe for just one month to watch a Major and then cancel immediately.

    Quick Glace

    Price$10.99/mo
    Free TrialNo
    Simultaneous Streams3 devices
    DVR?No "Cloud DVR" but full event replays
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  • Sling Blue Promo Panel logo

    Sling TV

    If you are looking for the overall best value to watch a live stream of the Golf Channel, Sling TVin the undisputed winner. It strips away the bloat of traditional cable to give you exactly what you need for a fraction of the cost of competitors.

    • Which plan do you need? You need to subscribe to Sling Blue and add the Sports Extra package.
    • Important: The Golf Channel is not in the base package. You must select the "Blue" tier (which includes NBC in select markets and USA Network for early-round coverage) and the "Sports Extra" add-on to unlock the Golf Channel.

    Why Golf Fans Love Sling TV

    • Unbeatable Price: At roughly $51/month total ($40 for Blue + $11 for Sports Extra), Sling is significantly cheaper than DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. That is extra cash in your pocket for a new driver or a round at your local course.
    • Flexible "Season" Viewing: Golf has a clearer off-season than many sports. Since Sling has no contracts, you can easily pause your subscription in December and restart it just in time for the West Coast swing in January.
    • Key Tournament Coverage: By choosing Sling Blue, you get USA Network (crucial for early-round major coverage) and NBC (available in select markets) alongside the Golf Channel, covering the vast majority of PGA Tour telecasts.

    Quick Glance

    Price$51/mo (Sling Blue + Sports Extra)
    Free TrialNo (Offer offers 50% off first month deals)
    Simultaneous streams3 devices (Blue plan)
    DVR Storage50 hours

  • DirecTV Stream Promo PanelDirecTV Stream

    DirecTV Stream

    If you are looking for the most complete "cable-like" experience without the cord, DirecTV Streamis a top tier option. Unlike a more budget service like Sling, DirecTV Stream offers premium features that specifically benefit golf viewers, such as 4K broadcasts for major tournaments like The Masters.

    • Which plan do you need? To watch the Golf Channel live, you must select the CHOICE Package (or higher). The base "Entertainment package does not include the Golf Channel.
    • Channel location: You can find the Golf Channel on Channel 218.

    Why Golf Fans Love DirecTV:

    • Unlimited Cloud DVR: Golf tournaments run for 8+ hours a day. With unlimited DVR, you can record entire rounds of the PGA Tour, LPGA, and DP World Tour without worrying about storage limits. Recordings are saved for 9 months.
    • 4K HDR Coverage: DirecTV is one of the few providers offering live 4K coverage for marquee events like The Masters and the U.S. Open on dedicated channels.
    • Regional Sports Networks (RSNs): The Choice package includes your local RSNs, so you can catch local sports commentary that often covers regional golf events and charity tournaments.
    • "Sports Mode" Feature: On compatible devices (like Roku or the DirecTV box), you can access real-time leaderboards and stats overlaying the broadcast - perfect for tacking FedEx Cup standings while you watch.

    Quick Glance

    Price$84.99
    Free TrialYes (5 days)
    Simultaneous Streams: Unlimited at home
    DVR storage?Unlimited (9 months)

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  • Youtube TV logo (large)YTTV

    YouTube TV

    If you want a service that "just works" and includes the Golf Channel without complex add-on packages YouTube TV is the top choice. It offers the best user interface in streaming and unique tech features that make watching long tournament days significantly easier.

    • Which plan do you need? The standard Base Plan.
    • Simplicity: Unlike competitors, you don't need a specific tier of package or add-on. The Golf Channel is included for every subscriber, along with NBC, USA Network, and ESPN for complete major championship coverage.

    Why Golf Fans Love YouTube TV

    • "Key Plays" Feature: Missed the morning wave? This feature automatically identifies the biggest moments - eagles, long birdie putts, and chip-ins - and lets you catch on four hours of action in just 15 minutes before jumping into the live feed.
    • Multiview: During major championships like the U.S. Open or The Open, you can use Multiview to watch the main broadcast alongside "Featured Group" streams on a single screen.
    • Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record every single PGA Tour event automatically. If you add "PGA Tour" to your library, it will record every tournament, airing on any channel, for the entire season.

    Quick Glance

    Price$82.99/mo (often $72.99 for first 3 months)
    Free TrialYes (Typically 5-21 days)
    Simultaneous Streams3 devices (6 accounts per household)
    DVR StorageUnlimited

  • hulu logoHulu

    Hulu + Live TV

    If you want the most hours of live golf possible, Hulu + Live TV is the strategic choice. While it is pricier than Sling, it provides a unique advantage: it includes an ESPN+ subscription in the base price.

    • Which plan do you need? The standard Hulu + Live TV base plan.
    • The "Secret" Weapon": Most Golf Channel broadcasts don't begin until the afternoon. However, ESPN+ carries "PGA Tour Live" which streams "Featured Groups" and "Main Feed" coverage starting at early as 7.30 AM ET. With this plan, you get both.

    Why Golf Fans Love Hulu + Live TV

    • The Disney Bundle: For one price, you get live TV (Golf Channel, NBC, CBS) plus the massive libraries of Disney+ and ESPN+. It's the best way to keep the kids happy with Bluey while you watch the back nine!
    • Unlimited DVR: Like YouTube TV, Hulu offers unlimited cloud DVR storage. You can record the entire weekend's coverage and fast-forward through commercials later.
    • Seamless App Integration: If you are watching a featured group on ESPN+ in the morning, you can switch over to the main Golf Channel feed in the afternoon without ever leaving the Hulu app.

    Quick Glance

    Price$82.99 (includes Disney+ & ESPN+)
    Free TrialYes (Typically 3 days)
    Simultaneous Streams2 (Unlimited available for +$9.99/mo
    DVR StorageUnlimited (9 months)

  • Scottie Scheffler golfGetty Images

    FAQs

    Where can I watch the Golf Channel?

    You can watch the Golf Channel through several streaming providers, either directly through premium tier packages or via add-on subscriptions.

    Sling TV, Fubo, and DirecTV all offer various options for watching the Golf Channel and other sports channels.

    Does Golf Channel have every PGA event?

    The Golf Channel is the home of PGA Golf on pay-television networks all season long, meaning it can often be the only place to see every tour event throughout the course of the campaign.

    Other broadcasters typically share coverage of the sport’s majors, including the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship.

    Is Golf Channel available for free?

    Golf Channel is not available for free. It operates as a pay-television channel that requires a subscription through a cable or streaming provider to access.

    What is included in the Golf Channel?

    With the Golf Channel, customers have access to more than three dozen PGA Tour events per season, plus a host of different programming strands, from analysis and chat shows to documentary films and archival matchups.

Frequently asked questions

No, the Golf Channel is not available on Amazon Prime. It is typically available through cable or satellite TV providers and some streaming services that offer live TV packages.

The Golf Channel is owned by NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast.

Arnold Palmer was one of the co-founders of the Golf Channel, but he does not own it. The channel is owned by NBCUniversal.

The Golf Channel and NBC Golf are related but not the same. The Golf Channel is a cable and satellite television network dedicated to golf. NBC Golf refers to the golf coverage provided by NBC Sports, which includes broadcasts of major golf tournaments. Both are part of NBCUniversal.