What Channel Is Phoenix Open On

The Phoenix Open is typically televised on the Golf Channel and CBS, with early-round and weekend coverage split between the two networks. If you're searching for what channel is Phoenix Open on during tournament week, expect most of the action—especially Thursday through Saturday—to air on the Golf Channel, while Sunday’s final round is usually broadcast on CBS. This scheduling pattern has been consistent in recent years, including the 2024 and upcoming 2025 editions of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. For fans asking what golf channel is the Phoenix Open on today, checking the Golf Channel first during the first three days is your best bet.

Quick Overview: Where to Watch the Phoenix Open

The Waste Management Phoenix Open, one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour calendar, draws massive crowds and even larger television audiences each year. The tournament is held annually at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is known for its raucous atmosphere, especially at the par-3 16th hole. As a major PGA Tour event, it receives extensive national television coverage in the United States. The primary broadcasters are Golf Channel and CBS Sports, both part of the PGA Tour's official media rights agreements.

Typical Broadcast Schedule by Day

The television schedule for the Phoenix Open follows a standard PGA Tour format:

Thursday & Friday (Rounds 1 & 2): Coverage primarily on Golf Channel
Saturday (Round 3): Split between Golf Channel and CBS, with CBS joining later in the day
Sunday (Final Round): Main coverage on CBS, preceded by early leaderboards and analysis on Golf Channel

This structure ensures that early rounds are available on cable via Golf Channel, while the climactic Sunday round reaches a broader audience through network television.

Day	Network	Time (ET)	Time (PT)
Thursday	Golf Channel	3:00 PM – 7:00 PM	12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Friday	Golf Channel	3:00 PM – 7:00 PM	12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday	Golf Channel / CBS	2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (GC), 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (CBS)	11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (GC), 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (CBS)
Sunday	CBS	3:00 PM – 6:30 PM	12:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Understanding the Role of Golf Channel and CBS in PGA Tour Coverage

The reason what channel is Phoenix Open on often leads to multiple answers lies in the PGA Tour’s long-term broadcasting partnerships. Since 2007, the PGA Tour has operated under a comprehensive media agreement that divides coverage among several networks, including Golf Channel (a NBCUniversal-owned network), CBS, ESPN, and USA Network. Golf Channel serves as the primary home for early-round and mid-week PGA Tour content, offering up to 90+ hours of live coverage per tournament week across various events.

Why Golf Channel Carries Early Rounds

Golf Channel provides in-depth, extended coverage of the first two days of the Phoenix Open. This allows viewers to follow their favorite players even when they aren’t in the final groups. The network often begins coverage earlier than CBS, sometimes starting at noon ET, depending on the broadcast rotation. Because the Phoenix Open starts early in the afternoon due to the desert climate and fan experience logistics, Golf Channel fills the gap before prime-time network programming begins.

CBS Takes Over for Weekend Drama

CBS steps in for the latter part of the weekend, particularly on Sunday, to maximize viewership. As a free-to-air broadcast network, CBS reaches households without cable subscriptions, expanding the tournament’s national footprint. Their production values are high, featuring top commentators like Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman, and they focus on the leaders and marquee pairings during the final stretch of the tournament.

Streaming Options: How to Watch the Phoenix Open Online

If you’re wondering what channel is Phoenix Open on but don’t have traditional cable, there are several ways to stream the tournament live:

Peacock Premium: Offers live streaming of Golf Channel content, including all Phoenix Open coverage aired on Golf Channel.
fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV: These live TV streaming services include Golf Channel and CBS in their base packages, allowing you to watch live or record broadcasts.
CBS Sports App & Website: Free access to CBS coverage on Sunday, provided you authenticate with a participating pay-TV provider or use a supported streaming service login.
PGA Tour Live on ESPN+: While not replacing linear TV coverage, ESPN+ offers featured groups and holes throughout the day, giving fans an alternative angle to follow specific players.

Using the PGA Tour App for Real-Time Updates

Even if you can’t watch full broadcasts, the PGA Tour app (available on iOS and Android) provides real-time scoring, shot tracking, highlights, and push notifications for key moments. It integrates with your TV viewing experience and helps answer questions like what time does the Phoenix Open start today or who is leading the Phoenix Open right now?.

Factors That May Affect Broadcast Details

While the general pattern of Golf Channel covering early rounds and CBS handling the final round remains stable, several factors can influence the exact broadcast schedule:

Tournament Delays Due to Weather

The Phoenix Open is occasionally affected by weather, such as rain delays or high winds. In these cases, networks may extend coverage, shift start times, or compress weekend play into fewer hours. For example, if Round 1 is delayed, Golf Channel might extend its broadcast into the evening, or CBS could adjust its Sunday window.

Conflict with Other Major Sporting Events

In rare cases, CBS may alter its golf coverage due to conflicts with NFL playoffs (in January/February), college basketball, or other high-profile sports. However, the Phoenix Open usually avoids major clashes, given its placement in early February.

Changes in Media Rights Agreements

The current PGA Tour media deal runs through 2030, with NBC/Golf Channel and CBS sharing responsibilities. However, future changes—such as new digital partners or international rights shifts—could affect how fans access the event. Always verify the latest broadcast info closer to tournament week.

How to Confirm What Channel the Phoenix Open Is On This Year

Since broadcast schedules can vary slightly year to year, it’s important to confirm the exact details before the tournament begins. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you know what channel is Phoenix Open on for the current edition:

Visit the Official PGA Tour Website: Go to pgatour.com and navigate to the Waste Management Phoenix Open event page. The “Broadcast Schedule” section lists exact times and networks.
Check the Golf Channel & CBS Sports Schedules: Both networks publish their upcoming programming online. Search “Golf Channel schedule February 2025” or “CBS Sports golf broadcast schedule” for confirmation.
Use Your TV Provider’s Guide: Services like Xfinity, Spectrum, or DirecTV allow you to search by event name or date to find channel numbers and air times.
Download the PGA Tour App: Set up alerts for the Phoenix Open to receive push notifications about tee times, TV pairings, and broadcast updates.
Follow PGA Tour Social Media: Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook accounts often post last-minute changes or highlight key broadcast windows.

Remember, policies and broadcast plans can change annually. What was true in 2023 may be adjusted in 2025 based on ratings, sponsorships, or network priorities.

International Viewing Options

Fans outside the U.S. also have access to the Phoenix Open through global broadcast partners:

Canada: TSN and RDS
UK & Ireland: Sky Sports Golf
Australia: Fox Sports Australia and Kayo Sports
India: Sony Sports Network
Latin America: ESPN Latin America

These networks typically mirror the U.S. broadcast feed or provide localized commentary. Check local listings for exact channels and times.

Planning Your Viewing Experience

To get the most out of watching the Phoenix Open, consider these tips:

Watch Early-Round Coverage: Use Golf Channel’s broad coverage to track players who may rise up the leaderboard later.
Focus on Saturday Afternoon: As CBS joins the broadcast, the intensity increases. This is when storylines develop ahead of Sunday’s finale.
Set DVRs or Streaming Recordings: If you can’t watch live, record the CBS and Golf Channel broadcasts to catch up later.
Explore Featured Groups on ESPN+: Complement your viewing by following specific players not always shown on main TV.
Attend in Person (If Possible): Nothing beats the energy of being at TPC Scottsdale. Tickets sell out fast, so plan months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What channel is the Phoenix Open on today?

The channel depends on the day. During Thursday and Friday, tune to Golf Channel. On Saturday, coverage starts on Golf Channel and moves to CBS in the afternoon. Sunday’s final round is primarily on CBS.

Is the Phoenix Open on CBS or Golf Channel?

It airs on both. Golf Channel covers the first two rounds extensively, while CBS broadcasts the final round on Sunday. Saturday features a transition from Golf Channel to CBS.

Can I stream the Phoenix Open for free?

Limited free streaming is available via the CBS Sports website on Sunday with authentication. Otherwise, services like Peacock, fuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV offer free trials that include full coverage.

What time does the Phoenix Open start on TV?

TV coverage typically begins at 3:00 PM Eastern Time (12:00 PM Pacific) on Golf Channel for Thursday and Friday. CBS coverage on Sunday usually starts at 3:00 PM ET.

Will the 2025 Phoenix Open be on the same channels?

Yes, based on current PGA Tour media contracts, the 2025 Waste Management Phoenix Open is expected to air on Golf Channel and CBS using the same format as previous years. Confirm closer to the event for any adjustments.