Your Complete Guide to Watching the Sanderson Farms Championship
You’ve heard the buzz about the rising stars and seasoned pros teeing off in Mississippi, and now you’re searching for a way to catch every drive, chip, and putt. Whether you’re a dedicated golf fan or just love the drama of a Sunday finish, finding the right broadcast can be tricky with tournaments spread across multiple networks and streaming services.
The Sanderson Farms Championship is a pivotal early-season event on the PGA TOUR, often where new talents make their mark. Missing the action because you couldn’t find the channel is a frustration no fan needs. This guide cuts through the confusion, giving you clear, step-by-step instructions to watch the tournament live from anywhere, on any device.
Official Broadcast Partners and TV Schedule
The Sanderson Farms Championship typically follows a standard PGA TOUR television schedule. Coverage is split between two main networks: Golf Channel and CBS. The early rounds and weekend morning coverage usually air on Golf Channel, with CBS taking over for the primary weekend afternoon broadcasts.
To plan your viewing, you need to know the tournament dates and the daily schedule. The event is held in the fall, often in late September or early October. A standard broadcast schedule looks like this:
– Thursday (First Round): 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET on Golf Channel.
– Friday (Second Round): 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET on Golf Channel.
– Saturday (Third Round): 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET on Golf Channel; 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET on CBS.
– Sunday (Final Round): 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET on Golf Channel; 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET on CBS.
All times are Eastern. It’s crucial to check the official PGA TOUR website or the tournament’s site for the most current year’s schedule, as times can shift slightly.
Setting Up Your Traditional TV Viewing
If you have a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service subscription, tuning in is straightforward. Simply navigate to the Golf Channel or CBS at the times listed above.
For CBS, remember it is a broadcast network. Even without a cable subscription, you can often access it for free with a good HD antenna connected to your television. This is a reliable, cost-effective way to catch the weekend’s key moments.
Streaming the Tournament Live Online
Streaming is the most flexible way to watch golf today. Several official services carry the live feeds from Golf Channel and CBS.
Using PGA TOUR Live on ESPN+
For the most comprehensive coverage, PGA TOUR Live on ESPN+ is essential. This service provides exclusive streaming coverage not found on the main TV broadcast. You can typically watch featured groups and featured holes (like the famous “Marquee Group” and “Featured Hole” coverage) from early morning through the end of play.
To access this, you need an ESPN+ subscription. You can watch through the ESPN app on your smart TV, streaming device (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV), game console, phone, or tablet. Simply log in with your ESPN+ credentials and navigate to the PGA TOUR Live section during the tournament.
Streaming via Cable Provider Authentication
If you have a cable subscription that includes Golf Channel, you can stream the TV broadcast live on the Golf Channel website or through its mobile app. You will need to sign in by selecting your TV provider (like Xfinity, Spectrum, DirecTV) and entering your account credentials.
Similarly, for CBS coverage, you can use the CBS Sports website or the CBS app. A cable login will grant you access to the live stream of the CBS broadcast in your market.
Live TV Streaming Services
Don’t have traditional cable? Several live TV streaming packages include both Golf Channel and CBS. These are excellent all-in-one solutions. Popular options include:
– YouTube TV: Includes Golf Channel and local CBS stations in most markets.
– Hulu + Live TV: Includes Golf Channel and local CBS stations.
– FuboTV: Strong sports focus, includes Golf Channel and CBS.
– DirecTV Stream: Includes both channels in its higher-tier packages.
Each service offers free trials for new subscribers. If the tournament is your main goal, you could sign up for a trial to watch the week’s events and cancel afterward.
Watching From Outside the United States
International fans face geo-restrictions. The primary solution is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to connect to a server in the United States, making it appear as if you are browsing from within the country.
Here is a reliable method:
1. Subscribe to a reputable VPN service like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your streaming device (computer, phone, or even router).
3. Open the app and connect to a server located in the United States.
4. Once connected, visit the streaming service of your choice (ESPN+, Golf Channel website, etc.). You should now have access as a U.S.-based user.
Always ensure your VPN is running before you open the streaming app or website. Some services may detect and block VPN traffic, so choosing a provider known for reliably bypassing these blocks is important.
Enhancing Your Viewing Experience
Simply watching the broadcast is one thing, but immersing yourself in the tournament makes it more engaging.
Following Real-Time Scoring and Highlights
While watching, keep the PGA TOUR app or official website open on a second screen. Their live scoring leaderboard updates in real-time, showing you scores from every player on the course, not just those on the TV broadcast. This lets you follow specific players or see who is making a charge.
For quick highlights and key moments, the PGA TOUR’s social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube are excellent. They post near-instant replays of eagles, tough saves, and critical putts.
Listening to Alternative Commentary
Some fans prefer the detailed analysis found on satellite radio. PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM provides shot-by-shot commentary for the entire tournament. You can listen via your car radio, the SiriusXM app, or a compatible smart speaker. This is a great option if you’re on the move during the broadcast.
Common Troubleshooting and Solutions
Even with the right subscription, you might hit a snag. Here are fixes for common issues.
Stream is Buffering or Low Quality: This is usually a bandwidth issue. First, check your internet connection speed. If possible, connect your streaming device directly to your router with an Ethernet cable for the most stable connection. If using Wi-Fi, try moving closer to the router. Also, close other bandwidth-heavy applications on your network, like video calls or large downloads.
“Content Not Available in Your Region” Error: This is the classic geo-block. Double-check that your VPN is active and connected to a U.S. server. Try switching to a different U.S. server city if the first one doesn’t work. Clear your browser’s cookies and cache, as these can sometimes leak your real location.
Can’t Authenticate Cable Provider: Ensure you are entering the correct username and password for your TV provider account. This is often the same login you use for your provider’s main website. If it still fails, your subscription package may not include Golf Channel. Contact your provider to confirm your channel lineup.
Missed the Live Broadcast: Don’t worry. Most services offer full-event replays. PGA TOUR Live on ESPN+ typically has on-demand replays available shortly after each round ends. YouTube TV, Hulu, and FuboTV also include cloud DVR functions, allowing you to record the live broadcast and watch it later at your convenience.
Your Action Plan for Tournament Week
To ensure you don’t miss a moment, follow this simple checklist as the Sanderson Farms Championship approaches.
First, confirm the exact dates and final TV schedule on pgatour.com. Mark the daily broadcast windows in your calendar. Next, decide on your primary viewing method. Will you use an antenna for CBS and a cable login for Golf Channel? Or subscribe to a streaming service like YouTube TV for everything?
If you’re traveling or live internationally, test your VPN setup a day or two before the tournament. Connect to a U.S. server and verify you can access the ESPN+ or Golf Channel website without errors. Finally, download the PGA TOUR app to your phone for live scoring and set notifications for your favorite players.
With this plan, you’re set to enjoy every story of the Sanderson Farms Championship, from the first tee shot on Thursday to the final putt on Sunday. The path to watching is now clear, so you can focus on the golf.
