So, you're looking to catch all the thrilling golf action at The American Express tournament! ️♂️ Whether you're a die-hard golf fanatic or just enjoy a good sporting event, watching this PGA Tour staple can be a fantastic experience. Get ready to witness some of the world's best golfers compete in sunny California! The American Express is typically held in January, and for 2025, it's scheduled from January 16-19.
Step 1: Discover the Tournament Basics & Your Viewing Style
Before diving into how to watch, let's quickly cover what The American Express is and how you prefer to consume content. This will help tailor your viewing experience!
What is The American Express Golf Tournament?
The American Express, also known as the Desert Classic, is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. It's played in mid-winter in the Coachella Valley, California, and is part of the tour's early season "West Coast Swing." It has a rich history, once known as the Bob Hope Desert Classic, and is famous for its unique three-course rotation (Pete Dye Stadium Course, La Quinta Country Club, and Nicklaus Tournament Course) and a 54-hole cut. The tournament also often features live entertainment, adding to the fan experience.
Your Viewing Preferences
Consider how you typically watch live events. Do you prefer:
Traditional TV broadcasts?
Streaming online or via an app?
Listening on the radio while on the go?
Knowing this will guide you to the most suitable options.
Step 2: Identify Official Broadcasters and Streaming Services
The key to watching any major sporting event is knowing who has the rights to broadcast it. For The American Express, there are primary channels and streaming platforms to consider.
Television Coverage
In the United States, Golf Channel is typically the primary television broadcaster for The American Express. They will provide live coverage of the tournament rounds.
Streaming Services: Your Digital Clubhouse!
For those who prefer to stream, you have excellent options that offer both live and on-demand coverage.
PGA Tour Live on ESPN+: This is often the most comprehensive streaming option for PGA Tour events, including The American Express. ESPN+ provides exclusive main feeds and featured group coverage for each round, starting earlier than the traditional TV broadcasts. If you want to follow specific players or groups, this is usually your best bet.
NBC Sports App / NBCSports.com: Since Golf Channel is part of the NBC Sports family, you can usually find live simulcasts of the Golf Channel's coverage on the NBC Sports App and NBCSports.com. This typically requires a cable subscription login.
DAZN: For international viewers, DAZN might be an option. They have been known to offer live streams of The American Express in various regions.
Step 3: Check Your Subscriptions and Access
Once you know where to watch, the next step is to ensure you have access.
For Cable TV Viewers:
Verify Golf Channel in your package: Check your cable or satellite TV subscription to confirm that Golf Channel is included in your channel lineup.
Consider a sports package: If you don't have Golf Channel, you might need to upgrade your package or add a sports-specific bundle.
For Streaming Enthusiasts:
ESPN+ Subscription: If you don't already have one, you'll need to subscribe to ESPN+. This is a standalone streaming service, often bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
Pro Tip: Check for any American Express cardmember benefits that might offer credits for streaming services like ESPN+!
Cable Login for NBC Sports: If you plan to use the NBC Sports App or NBCSports.com, make sure you have your cable provider's login credentials handy. You'll likely need them to authenticate your access.
DAZN Subscription: If you're outside the U.S. and DAZN is an option for your region, you'll need a DAZN subscription.
Step 4: Consult the Schedule and Set Reminders ⏰
Don't miss a single tee time! Golf tournaments span multiple days, and knowing the schedule is crucial.
Tournament Dates & Times
For 2025, The American Express is scheduled from Thursday, January 16th to Sunday, January 19th.
Typical Daily Coverage:
PGA Tour Live (ESPN+): Often starts earlier in the day (e.g., 11:30 a.m. ET) and provides coverage throughout the playing day.
Golf Channel (TV & Simulcast): Usually takes over for the later afternoon/evening coverage (e.g., 4-7 p.m. ET).
Where to Find Detailed Schedules
PGA Tour Official Website: The most reliable source for precise tee times, pairings, and detailed broadcast schedules. Visit
PGATour.com.Tournament's Official Website:
TheAmexGolf.comwill also have a "Fan Experience" or "Watch" section with broadcast information.Sports News Websites: Major sports news outlets like ESPN, Golf.com, or CBS Sports will publish daily schedules and viewing guides closer to the tournament dates.
Set Your Alarms!
Once you have the schedule, set reminders on your phone or calendar. This is especially important for golf, as coverage can shift throughout the day and different channels/platforms might cover different parts of the rounds.
Step 5: Explore Alternative Viewing Options (If Needed)
Sometimes, your primary options might not work, or you might be looking for a different experience.
Radio Coverage
PGA Tour Radio (often available via SiriusXM or online audio streams) provides live audio commentary of the tournament. This is a great option if you're driving or can't watch a screen.
Live Blogs and Score Tracking
If you're unable to watch or listen, many sports websites offer live blogs and real-time score tracking. While not the same as watching, they keep you updated on all the action and key moments.
International Viewers
If you're outside the United States, your options will vary by region.
Check local sports broadcasters: Many countries have specific channels that carry PGA Tour events.
PGA Tour Live: This service often has international availability, so check the ESPN+ or PGA Tour website for regional access.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): While not officially endorsed by broadcasters, some viewers use VPNs to access geo-restricted content. Be aware that this can sometimes violate terms of service for streaming platforms.
Step 6: Enhance Your Experience
Watching golf can be even more enjoyable with a few extra steps.
Follow Social Media
Many official PGA Tour, American Express, and golf news accounts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook will provide live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. This can be a great way to stay connected, especially if you're not able to watch every shot.
Participate in Fantasy Golf
Joining a fantasy golf league or creating your own picks can add an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. It gives you a reason to follow specific players and track their progress closely.
Learn About the Course
The American Express is played across three distinct courses at PGA West and La Quinta Country Club. Familiarize yourself with the key holes, challenges, and signature features of these courses. This will enhance your appreciation for the players' strategies and shots.
Step 7: Troubleshooting and Tips ️
Encountering issues? Here are some quick fixes.
Streaming Issues
Check your internet connection: A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for smooth streaming.
Close other applications: Free up bandwidth by closing unnecessary apps on your device.
Clear cache and cookies: Sometimes, browser or app issues can be resolved by clearing cached data.
Update your app/browser: Ensure you're using the latest version of the streaming app or web browser.
TV Signal Issues
Check cable connections: Ensure all cables are securely plugged in.
Rescan channels: Your TV might need to rescan for channels if you're using an antenna.
Contact your provider: If all else fails, reach out to your cable or satellite TV provider.
Geo-Restrictions
If you're traveling, remember that broadcast rights are often region-specific. A VPN might help, but as mentioned, check the terms of service for your streaming provider.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Watch The American Express for Free?
Unfortunately, official broadcasts of The American Express typically require a cable TV subscription or a paid streaming service like ESPN+. There aren't many legitimate ways to watch the entire tournament for free. However, some sports news websites might offer free short highlights or daily recaps.
How to Stream The American Express on My Phone?
You can stream The American Express on your phone by downloading the ESPN+ app (with a subscription) or the NBC Sports App (requires a cable TV login) and accessing the live broadcast there.
How to Find The American Express Tee Times?
The most accurate and up-to-date tee times for The American Express can be found on the official PGA Tour website (PGATour.com) or the tournament's official website (TheAmexGolf.com) in the days leading up to and during the event.
How to Listen to The American Express on the Radio?
You can listen to The American Express on the radio via PGA Tour Radio, which is available through SiriusXM satellite radio or sometimes via free online audio streams on the PGA Tour website.
How to Watch The American Express without Cable?
To watch The American Express without cable, you'll need a subscription to a live TV streaming service that includes Golf Channel (like FuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV) or a subscription to ESPN+ for PGA Tour Live coverage.
How to Watch The American Express if I'm Outside the US?
If you're outside the US, check DAZN or other regional sports broadcasters that have PGA Tour rights in your country. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ may also be available in certain international markets.
How to Get Early Coverage of The American Express?
For early coverage of The American Express, subscribe to PGA Tour Live on ESPN+. This service typically provides more extensive and earlier coverage, including featured groups and holes, before the main TV broadcast begins.
How to Watch The American Express Highlights?
You can watch highlights of The American Express on the official PGA Tour website and YouTube channel, as well as on major sports news websites and their social media channels (e.g., ESPN, Golf Channel, CBS Sports).
How to Watch The American Express on My Smart TV?
To watch The American Express on your smart TV, download the ESPN+ app or the NBC Sports App directly to your smart TV's app store. Alternatively, you can cast the stream from your phone or computer to your TV using devices like Chromecast or Apple AirPlay.
How to Know Which Golfers Are Playing in The American Express?
The field of golfers for The American Express is usually announced in the weeks leading up to the tournament. You can find the confirmed player list on the official PGA Tour website and the tournament's official website (TheAmexGolf.com).
