Are you ready to dive into the world of professional golf and witness some of the sport's greatest talents battle it out on the greens? The Charles Schwab Challenge is one of the most anticipated events on the PGA Tour calendar, known for its rich history and challenging course at Colonial Country Club. Whether you're a seasoned golf enthusiast or a casual viewer looking to catch some exciting action, knowing how to watch this prestigious tournament is key. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every option, ensuring you don't miss a single swing!
The 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge took place from May 22-25, 2025, at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Now, let's explore how you can relive or prepare for future tournaments!
The Ultimate Guide to Watching the Charles Schwab Challenge
Step 1: Identify Your Viewing Preference – Cable, Streaming, or Both?
Before we delve into the specifics, let's consider how you prefer to consume your sports content. Are you a traditional cable TV subscriber, or do you lean more towards the flexibility and on-demand nature of streaming services? Perhaps a combination of both suits you best. Knowing this will help tailor your viewing experience and guide you to the most efficient way to watch the Charles Schwab Challenge.
- Are you a cable TV devotee? If so, you'll be primarily looking for channels like Golf Channel and CBS.
- Are you a cord-cutter? Streaming services will be your best friend, offering live and on-demand coverage.
- Do you want it all? A hybrid approach using both cable and streaming will give you the most comprehensive access.
Once you've got your preference in mind, let's move on to the practical steps!
Step 2: Grasp the Broadcast Schedule and Channels
The Charles Schwab Challenge typically divides its broadcast coverage between two main networks: Golf Channel and CBS. Understanding their roles is crucial for uninterrupted viewing.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
- Golf Channel: This is your go-to for early round coverage (Thursday and Friday) and often the early weekend coverage (Saturday and Sunday). They provide extensive hours of live golf from the first tee times of the day.
- CBS: For the main broadcast of the weekend rounds (Saturday and Sunday afternoons), CBS takes over. This is where you'll catch the dramatic finishes and the crowning of the champion.
Here's a typical (based on 2025) broadcast schedule breakdown (all times Eastern):
- Thursday, May 22:
- Early coverage (e.g., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.): Exclusively on ESPN+ (PGA Tour Live)
- Afternoon TV coverage (e.g., 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.): Golf Channel
- Friday, May 23:
- Early coverage (e.g., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.): Exclusively on ESPN+ (PGA Tour Live)
- Afternoon TV coverage (e.g., 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.): Golf Channel
- Saturday, May 24:
- Early coverage (e.g., 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.): Exclusively on ESPN+ (PGA Tour Live)
- Mid-day TV coverage (e.g., 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.): Golf Channel
- Main broadcast (e.g., 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.): CBS
- Sunday, May 25:
- Early coverage (e.g., 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.): Exclusively on ESPN+ (PGA Tour Live)
- Mid-day TV coverage (e.g., 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.): Golf Channel
- Main broadcast (e.g., 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.): CBS
Always check the official PGA Tour or Charles Schwab Challenge website closer to the tournament dates for the most up-to-date schedule and tee times.
Step 3: Choose Your Viewing Platform
Now that you know the channels and general schedule, let's explore the various platforms available to watch the tournament.
Sub-heading: Traditional Cable TV Subscriptions
If you have a cable TV subscription, ensure your package includes Golf Channel and CBS. Most standard cable packages will include CBS, but you might need a sports-specific add-on for Golf Channel.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
- Pros: Reliable broadcast, easy access if you already have cable.
- Cons: Can be more expensive, less flexible than streaming, tied to a TV set.
Sub-heading: Live TV Streaming Services (Cord-Cutting Options)
For those who have cut the cord, or prefer to watch on a variety of devices, live TV streaming services are an excellent alternative. These services offer live access to traditional TV channels over the internet. Many offer free trials, allowing you to catch the tournament without a long-term commitment.
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FuboTV: A popular choice for sports fans, FuboTV typically includes both Golf Channel and CBS in its channel lineup. They often offer a free trial, which can be perfect for tournament week.
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Hulu + Live TV: This service also carries both Golf Channel and CBS, providing a comprehensive live TV experience with on-demand content.
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YouTube TV: Another strong contender, YouTube TV offers a wide array of channels, including both Golf Channel and CBS.
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DirecTV Stream: Depending on the package, DirecTV Stream can provide access to both Golf Channel and CBS.
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Sling TV: While Sling TV might require a combination of packages (e.g., Sling Orange & Blue) to get both channels, it can be a more budget-friendly option. Check their channel lineups carefully.
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Pros: Flexibility to watch on multiple devices (smart TVs, phones, tablets, computers), often cheaper than cable, no long-term contracts.
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Cons: Requires a stable internet connection, monthly subscription fees, channel lineups can vary by package.
Sub-heading: Dedicated Golf and Sports Streaming Platforms
Beyond live TV services, specific sports streaming platforms offer direct access to PGA Tour content.
- ESPN+ (PGA Tour Live): This is arguably the most comprehensive option for golf fans. PGA Tour Live, exclusively available through ESPN+, offers:
- Main Feed: Primary tournament coverage.
- Marquee Group: Follows every shot from a featured group of top players.
- Featured Groups: Traditional coverage of two concurrent featured groups.
- Featured Holes: Focus on key holes on the course.
- This means you get more coverage than what's available on traditional TV, especially during early morning hours and with specific player tracking.
- Paramount+: Since CBS broadcasts the main weekend rounds, Paramount+ provides a live stream of that CBS coverage. If you only care about the final two days and already have a Paramount+ subscription, this is a convenient option.
- NBC Sports App / NBCSports.com: These platforms often offer live simulcasts of the Golf Channel's telecasts. You might need to authenticate with your cable or live TV streaming provider credentials.
- Pros: Deep dives into the action with multiple camera angles and featured groups (ESPN+), convenient for existing subscribers (Paramount+), on-the-go viewing.
- Cons: ESPN+ requires a separate subscription, Paramount+ only covers the CBS portion, some require TV provider login.
Step 4: Consider International Viewing Options (if applicable)
If you're outside the United States, your viewing options will differ. Major golf broadcasters typically have international partners.
- UK: Sky Sports Golf is usually the primary broadcaster for PGA Tour events. NOW (formerly NOW TV) is often the streaming platform that offers Sky Sports passes.
- Canada: TSN (The Sports Network) is the main golf broadcaster in Canada, with TSN+ offering streaming access.
- Australia: Kayo Sports is a popular streaming service for sports in Australia that often carries PGA Tour events.
- Always check local sports broadcasters and streaming services in your region for specific Charles Schwab Challenge coverage.
Step 5: Don't Forget the Radio and Online Leaderboards!
Even if you can't watch, you can still stay connected to the action.
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
- PGA Tour Radio (via SiriusXM and
PGATOUR.com/liveaudio - Official PGA Tour Website and App: These resources offer real-time leaderboards, shot-by-shot data, player stats, and sometimes even free video highlights. It's an excellent way to keep tabs on the scores and key moments, even without live video.
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| How To Watch The Charles Schwab Challenge |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about watching the Charles Schwab Challenge, with quick answers:
How to watch the Charles Schwab Challenge on a budget?
- Look for free trials offered by live TV streaming services like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV, or consider a monthly ESPN+ subscription for extensive coverage.
How to watch the Charles Schwab Challenge without cable?
- Subscribe to a live TV streaming service (FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream) or a dedicated sports streaming platform like ESPN+.
How to find the Charles Schwab Challenge TV schedule?
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
- Check the official PGA Tour website, the Charles Schwab Challenge tournament website, or reliable sports news outlets like CBS Sports or Yahoo Sports in the days leading up to the event.
How to stream the Charles Schwab Challenge on my phone or tablet?
- Download the app for your chosen streaming service (ESPN+, Paramount+, FuboTV, Hulu, YouTube TV, etc.) and log in with your subscription.
How to watch the Charles Schwab Challenge if I'm outside the US?
- Research the official PGA Tour broadcast partners in your specific country (e.g., Sky Sports in the UK, TSN in Canada, Kayo Sports in Australia).
How to get early morning coverage of the Charles Schwab Challenge?
- ESPN+ with PGA Tour Live is your best bet, as it often starts coverage hours before traditional TV broadcasts.
How to watch specific groups or players at the Charles Schwab Challenge?
- ESPN+ (PGA Tour Live) offers "Marquee Group" and "Featured Groups" options, allowing you to follow specific players throughout their rounds.
How to listen to the Charles Schwab Challenge on the radio?
- Tune into PGA Tour Radio via SiriusXM or access the free live audio stream on
PGATOUR.com/liveaudio
How to catch up on Charles Schwab Challenge highlights?
- The official PGA Tour website and app, as well as YouTube channels for major sports networks, will typically post highlights after each round.
How to know if the Charles Schwab Challenge is free to watch?
- Generally, no. While some services offer free trials, live coverage of a major PGA Tour event like the Charles Schwab Challenge typically requires a paid subscription to a cable TV package or a streaming service.
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