The PGA Championship 2026 kicks off this week at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, drawing the world's top golfers for the second major of the season. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, the current World No. 1, aims to capture back-to-back titles after his dominant five-stroke victory last year at Quail Hollow Club over Harris English, Bryson DeChambeau, and Davis Riley. The 7,394-yard, par-70 layout at Aronimink promises a classic test of shot-making, where precise approach play could separate the contenders from the field.
Rory McIlroy enters as the tournament favorite, fresh off his second consecutive green jacket win at Augusta National last month. The Northern Irish star's recent form has him pegged as the man to beat, according to early betting odds and expert analyses. Meanwhile, Cameron Young, the New York native, has been on a hot streak with top-10 finishes in each of his last five starts, raising expectations that he might finally secure his first major championship.
Scheffler's 2025 triumph marked his second major title of that season, solidifying his status as one of golf's elite. "Scheffler took the Wanamaker Trophy at last year's tournament at Quail Hollow Club with a five-stroke victory," reports coverage from CNET, highlighting how his consistency under pressure has become a hallmark of his game. This year's venue shift to Aronimink, a historic course known for its demanding fairways and greens, adds a layer of unpredictability to the proceedings.
As the event unfolds from Thursday through Sunday, fans across the globe are gearing up to follow the action. In the United States, the television schedule provides comprehensive coverage, starting with ESPN holding exclusive live rights for the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday. CBS then takes over for the crucial weekend stages, broadcasting the latter rounds live. All times are in Eastern Time, ensuring East Coast viewers can tune in early.
For those preferring streaming options, Paramount Plus offers access to the CBS coverage with its two subscription tiers: Essential at $9 a month and Premium at $14 a month. The Essential plan includes ads during on-demand streaming but lacks live CBS feeds and offline downloads, while Premium provides ad-free viewing and additional features. Students can snag a 25% discount on Essential, making it more accessible for younger fans.
ESPN Plus delivers even more in-depth livestreaming throughout all four days, featuring main action feeds, marquee groups, featured groups, and coverage of key holes. Recent changes to ESPN's streaming lineup introduced two tiers: ESPN Select at $13 a month, which mirrors the previous ESPN Plus content including PGA golf, and ESPN Unlimited at $30 a month for full access to networks like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, and ESPN Deportes. "ESPN Select is essentially what ESPN Plus used to be, with the same content available to subscribers," notes CNET in its guide to the platforms.
International audiences have their own avenues to catch the tournament. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will broadcast the event live across its Golf and Main Events channels, with additional interactive coverage on the Red Button service. Subscribers can stream via the Sky Go app, while non-cable viewers have options through Now, Sky's streaming subsidiary. A day pass costs £15, ideal for catching just the final round, or a monthly plan starts at £35 for full access over the four days.
Australian golf enthusiasts can watch on Fox Sports through Foxtel, but for cord-cutters, Kayo Sports provides a flexible alternative. Starting at AU$30 a month for single-screen streaming, the service upgrades to AU$46 for up to three devices simultaneously. Kayo covers a broad spectrum of sports, from F1 and NRL to NFL, NHL, and MLB, with no long-term contracts required. New users benefit from a one-week free trial, allowing them to sample the PGA coverage without commitment.
Up north in Canada, TSN4 will air live coverage of all four days, and the TSN Plus streaming service extends that to online viewers for CA$25 a month. The package includes exclusive rights to NFL games, F1, Nascar, and Grand Slam tennis, positioning it as a strong choice for sports fans ditching traditional cable. "Live coverage of all four days of the 2026 PGA Championship will be available to watch in Canada via TSN4," according to streaming guides.
The shift to Aronimink Golf Club marks a return to a storied venue that last hosted a major in 1962, when it was the site of the PGA Championship won by Gary Player. The course's tree-lined fairways and undulating greens demand accuracy over power, contrasting with the more forgiving setups at some modern majors. Officials with the PGA of America have emphasized the layout's role in testing the complete golfer, from tee to green.
While Scheffler defends his crown, McIlroy's quest for a career Grand Slam remains a compelling subplot. Having won the other three majors, the PGA title eludes him, and his recent Masters success has only heightened the anticipation. Young's emergence adds another layer, as the 27-year-old seeks to break through after near-misses in previous big events.
Broadcast details underscore the event's global appeal, with streaming services adapting to diverse viewer preferences. In the US, the combination of linear TV and on-demand options ensures broad accessibility, even as ESPN navigates its evolving direct-to-consumer model. "The sports network now offers two tiers with its new direct-to-consumer setup: ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited," CNET explains, reflecting broader trends in sports media fragmentation.
Across the pond, Sky Sports' extensive coverage in the UK has long been a staple for golf fans, offering everything from hole-by-hole analysis to player interviews. The Now platform's flexible pricing caters to casual viewers who might only want weekend highlights, while dedicated followers opt for the full month. This setup mirrors the event's blend of tradition and modernity.
In Australia and Canada, services like Kayo and TSN Plus highlight the cord-cutting revolution, providing high-quality streams without the need for satellite dishes or cable boxes. Kayo's no-lock-in policy and free trial lower barriers to entry, potentially drawing in new audiences to the PGA Championship. Similarly, TSN's bundled sports content makes it a one-stop shop for multisport households.
As the tournament progresses, eyes will be on how the Aronimink conditions play out—rain forecasts could soften the course, favoring aggressive play, while firm turf might reward the straighter drivers. Whatever the weather, the Wanamaker Trophy hangs in the balance, with Scheffler, McIlroy, and Young among those vying for glory. Fans worldwide, armed with these viewing options, won't miss a putt.
