Where to watch the Charles Schwab Challenge

The Charles Schwab Challenge airs on NBC and streams on Peacock, NBC's streaming service. The tournament runs over four days, typically Thursday through Sunday, with coverage starting in the early afternoon and running into the evening. You can watch on cable television if you have an NBC affiliate in your area, or stream the same broadcast live through Peacock if you have a subscription.

If you don't have cable or a Peacock subscription, you can also find coverage through the PGA Tour's official website and app. The PGA Tour offers free streaming of featured groups and holes during tournament play, though this is a limited feed compared to the full NBC broadcast. Some featured group streams are behind a paywall, but the site clearly marks which streams are free before you click.

The tournament takes place at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, and the exact broadcast times vary by day. Thursday and Friday rounds typically start around 1 p.m. ET, while weekend rounds often begin earlier. Check NBC's schedule or the PGA Tour website a few days before the tournament for the exact start times for that year.

Key Takeaways

  • NBC broadcasts the Charles Schwab Challenge on television and Peacock streams it online, with coverage running Thursday through Sunday each year.
  • The PGA Tour's website and app offer free streaming of selected featured groups and holes during tournament play, though the full broadcast is on NBC.
  • Broadcast times vary by day and year, so check NBC's schedule or the PGA Tour website before the tournament starts.
  • The tournament is held at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, and is part of the PGA Tour's regular season schedule.

What to expect from the broadcast

NBC's coverage includes commentary from professional announcers, live scoring updates, and multiple camera angles of the course. The broadcast shows featured groups (usually the leaders or notable players) throughout the day, and switches between holes to capture the most competitive moments. If you're watching on Peacock, you get the same NBC broadcast feed, so the experience is identical whether you're on television or streaming.

The PGA Tour's free streams on their website work differently — they focus on one or two specific groups or holes at a time, rather than jumping between action. This means you might watch the same players for an hour straight, which some viewers prefer because it lets you follow a single group's strategy and shots in detail. The trade-off is that you won't see as many different players or the overall leaderboard updates as frequently.

Streaming options and costs

Peacock requires a subscription, which costs either $5.99 per month (with ads) or $11.99 per month (ad-free). If you already subscribe to Peacock for other content, you don't need to pay anything extra to watch the Charles Schwab Challenge. The NBC broadcast is free if you have cable or a cable login through a provider like Comcast, Charter, or AT&T.

The PGA Tour app and website offer free featured group streams during the tournament, though some premium streams may require a PGA Tour+ subscription (a separate paid service). Before the tournament, the PGA Tour website will list which streams are free and which require payment, so you can plan ahead.

How to find the tournament schedule

The Charles Schwab Challenge is held once per year, typically in May, at Colonial Country Club. The exact dates change year to year, so check the PGA Tour's official schedule or NBC's sports schedule a few weeks before May to confirm when it's happening. The PGA Tour website lists all tournament dates, locations, and broadcast information for the entire season.

You can also set a reminder on your phone or calendar once you know the dates. Most sports apps, including ESPN and the PGA Tour app, send notifications when tournaments are about to start, which can help you remember to tune in.

Watching on mobile devices

The Peacock app works on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, so you can watch the broadcast on any device with internet access. The PGA Tour app also streams featured groups and holes on mobile devices. Both apps allow you to watch live or, in some cases, watch replays later if you miss the live broadcast.

If you're watching on a phone or tablet, make sure you have a strong internet connection — streaming video uses significant data. If you're on a cellular network rather than Wi-Fi, the stream may buffer or drop quality to save data, depending on your signal strength.

What happens if you miss the live broadcast

NBC often replays Charles Schwab Challenge coverage on cable television in the days after the tournament ends. Check your local NBC schedule or cable guide to see if replays are scheduled. Peacock may also keep full-round replays available for a period of time after the tournament, though this varies.

The PGA Tour website typically posts highlight videos and recaps within hours of each round ending. These are shorter than full broadcasts but show the key moments and final leaderboard. If you want to watch the full round without spoilers, avoid the PGA Tour website and social media until you've had a chance to watch the replay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a cable subscription to watch the Charles Schwab Challenge?

No. You can watch on Peacock with a subscription, or stream free featured groups through the PGA Tour's website and app. Cable is one option, but not the only way to see the tournament.

Can I watch the tournament on my smart TV?

Yes. Download the Peacock app on your smart TV, log in with your subscription, and stream the NBC broadcast. You can also use a streaming device like Roku or Apple TV to access Peacock if your TV doesn't have the app built in.

What time does the Charles Schwab Challenge start each day?

Start times vary by day and year, but typically Thursday and Friday rounds begin around 1 p.m. ET, while Saturday and Sunday rounds start earlier. Check NBC's schedule or the PGA Tour website a few days before the tournament for exact times.

Is the Charles Schwab Challenge broadcast in 4K or HD?

NBC broadcasts in HD on cable and Peacock. 4K availability depends on your Peacock subscription tier and device — check Peacock's specifications for your specific device to confirm if 4K is available.

Can I watch replays of the tournament after it ends?

Yes. NBC replays rounds on cable, Peacock may keep full replays available for a limited time, and the PGA Tour posts highlight videos on their website within hours of each round.