How to watch the Grant Thornton Invitational on DirecTV 2025

Learn about How to watch the Grant Thornton Invitational on DirecTV 2025 in this American TV guide, with key details, useful options and practical answers.

The Grant Thornton Invitational breaks away from traditional pro golf tournaments by showcasing a unique co-ed format, pairing men and women golfers in mixed teams. Hosted at the picturesque Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, the 2025 edition tees off from December 13 to 15. Introduced in 2023, this PGA Tour-LPGA Tour collaboration spotlights elite athletes from both tours competing side by side—an uncommon but growing trend in professional golf.

This tournament holds particular value for fans passionate about women’s sports, as it elevates the visibility of LPGA players and presents them on equal footing with their male counterparts. With TV coverage playing a critical role in boosting popularity and audience engagement, knowing exactly how to watch the event on DirecTV gives fans a front-row seat to a competition that’s redefining norms in professional golf.

Plan Your Viewing: Grant Thornton Invitational Schedule

The 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational tees off Friday, December 13, and runs through Sunday, December 15. Held at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, this mixed-team event features PGA Tour and LPGA Tour professionals competing in a co-sanctioned format. Each round unfolds with broadcast coverage across various time zones in the United States, so knowing exactly when to tune in is key.

Broadcast Schedule by Date and Time

  • Friday, December 13 — First Round: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
  • Saturday, December 14 — Second Round: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET
  • Sunday, December 15 — Final Round: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET

All rounds will be televised live, with no tape delays across DirecTV’s national sports networks. Time zone conversion may seem like a simple detail, but it directly affects when the program appears on your guide. Here's how the live coverage aligns across four key U.S. time zones:

  • Eastern Time (ET): Coverage begins at 1:00 PM (Friday) and 2:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
  • Central Time (CT): Tune in at 12:00 PM (Friday) and 1:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
  • Mountain Time (MT): Broadcast starts at 11:00 AM (Friday) and 12:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
  • Pacific Time (PT): Coverage runs from 10:00 AM (Friday) and 11:00 AM (Saturday & Sunday)

How to Adjust the DirecTV Guide to Your Time Zone

DirecTV automatically adjusts program listings based on your set location. However, if you're traveling or using a secondary receiver, you can manually set your time zone. Go to Settings & Help from the main menu, select Settings > Display > Time Zone, then choose the correct region. This ensures all live sports, including the Grant Thornton Invitational, appear with correct local airtimes in your guide.

Want to watch on-the-go or from a different state? Use the DirecTV app to reflect local times wherever you are, provided location services remain active.

Where to Find the Grant Thornton Invitational on TV

CBS: Weekend Coverage in Prime Time Slots

CBS holds the broadcast rights for the main weekend coverage of the Grant Thornton Invitational. Saturday and Sunday rounds will air live during the afternoon, typically occupying the 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET window. CBS’s coverage includes enhanced visual storytelling, real-time shot tracking, and commentary from its veteran golf broadcast team. The network delivers the high-production value expected from a national sports broadcaster with a long-standing tradition in televised golf.

Golf Channel: Weekday and Early Round Access

For early coverage, including weekday rounds, morning tee times, and player features, the Golf Channel serves as the go-to network. Owned by NBCUniversal, Golf Channel integrates live tournament feeds with analysis, player interviews, and real-time leaderboard updates. The network typically airs Thursday and Friday rounds and may carry pre-game and post-round studio segments as well.

NBC Sports: Previous and International Distribution

While NBC is not listed as a primary broadcaster for the current Grant Thornton Invitational, its historical involvement in PGA and LPGA tournaments positions it as a distribution channel for international markets. In previous years, NBC Sports Group has used its global network, including Sky Sports Golf in the UK, to air partnered events or provide syndicated coverage segments.

  • Weekend Broadcast: CBS, Saturday and Sunday, afternoon windows
  • Weekday Coverage: Golf Channel, including Thursday and Friday rounds
  • Studio Insight: Golf Central and CBS’s golf team offer in-depth pre and post-round analysis
  • International Availability: May be carried through NBC’s affiliated networks abroad

Where to Watch: DirecTV Channel Guide

To catch every swing, putt, and playoff moment of the Grant Thornton Invitational on DirecTV, knowing your channels is key. Both CBS and Golf Channel hold broadcast rights, but their positions vary depending on your location and service type.

Satellite Subscribers: CBS and Golf Channel by Region

For those using traditional DirecTV satellite service, channel assignments remain consistent nationwide for most national networks:

  • CBS: Available on channel 221 for CBS Sports Network. However, local CBS affiliates—where final-round action often airs—typically fall between channels 2 and 69, depending on your regional feed.
  • Golf Channel: Nationwide on channel 218.

If you're unsure about local CBS affiliate availability, a quick ZIP code check with DirecTV’s channel lookup tool provides accurate channel positioning based on your address or current location.

DirecTV Stream vs. Satellite: Know the Difference

Unlike satellite service, DirecTV Stream uses internet-based delivery, and channel numbers differ:

  • Golf Channel on DirecTV Stream: Typically found on channel 218, matching the satellite layout.
  • CBS (local): Aligned to your area’s local CBS station number, often labeled by call letters rather than a specific channel number.

Rather than remembering numbers, DirecTV Stream users benefit from a name-based guide interface, letting you search “CBS” or “Golf Channel” directly for instant access.

Need precision? Use DirecTV’s official Channel Lineup Tool. Input your ZIP code for an up-to-date, location-specific listing instantly—no guesswork required.

Unlock More Fairways: Best DirecTV Sports Packages for Golf Coverage

Golf-Ready Packages That Include CBS and Golf Channel

DirecTV offers several subscription tiers that include both CBS and Golf Channel — two essential networks for full coverage of the Grant Thornton Invitational. Coverage begins at the Choice™ package level, where Golf Channel is available alongside CBS (which is included in all DirecTV packages by default).

  • Choice™ – Features over 200 channels, including Golf Channel, ESPN, and regional sports networks. It's the entry point for golf fans looking to watch PGA events nationwide.
  • Ultimate – Adds more specialty and movie channels to the mix, such as NHL Network and FXM, but retains Golf Channel and CBS coverage. With over 270 channels, it offers depth for both sports and entertainment fans.
  • Premier – Delivers over 340 channels, bundling in premium networks like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax along with all sports-related content, including Golf Channel and CBS.

Every one of these packages includes DVR capability and access to the DirecTV app, enabling mobile streaming of live PGA and LPGA events, including the Grant Thornton Invitational.

Enhancing Your Lineup: Adding the DirecTV Sports Pack

The Sports Pack add-on supplements any base package with an additional lineup of over 40 regional and specialty sports networks. While Golf Channel is already part of Choice™ and above, the Sports Pack opens access to more niche golf content through channels like CBS Sports Network, which often airs analysis, recaps, and international tournaments.

Golfers looking for broader coverage of the sport throughout the year — from qualifying rounds to wraparound season summaries — will find added value in this add-on. It’s especially useful for fans who keep tabs on the Korn Ferry Tour, collegiate championships, or international circuits.

Best Value Package Recommendation for Golf Fans

For consistent PGA Tour coverage, Golf Channel access, and Sunday broadcast rounds on CBS, the Choice™ package paired with the Sports Pack add-on delivers the best balance of price and remote-to-green content. It covers flagship events, qualifying coverage, and secondary tour stops without stretching into high-premium territory.

Need access to premium entertainment as well? Then Premier merges sports depth with all-inclusive channel offerings — making it ideal for households where sports and cinema run side by side.

Live Streaming Options on DirecTV

Watch the Grant Thornton Invitational Live with DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream delivers full access to the Grant Thornton Invitational through its integrated channel lineup. Subscribers can live stream the tournament on supported devices without a satellite dish or cable box. This streaming service mirrors the live channels available on traditional DirecTV, including key sports networks like CBS, Golf Channel, and ESPN.

By using DirecTV Stream, viewers can follow every round of the Invitational from anywhere — at home, work, or on the go. Sports fans looking to avoid delays or blackouts will benefit from the platform's real-time broadcast consistency, making it a reliable option for tournament coverage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Streaming on Mobile, Tablet, or Smart TV

  • Step 1: Download the DirecTV Stream app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or your Smart TV’s app hub.
  • Step 2: Log in with your DirecTV account credentials. New users can sign up directly through the app or via the DirecTV website.
  • Step 3: Navigate to the channel carrying the Grant Thornton Invitational—this could be CBS or Golf Channel depending on the schedule.
  • Step 4: Tap or click the live feed to begin streaming in real-time. The platform adjusts automatically to bandwidth conditions to maintain stable video quality.
  • Step 5: For mobile viewing, activate landscape mode for a broader view of the course and player action.

Smart TVs with built-in app compatibility provide the most seamless experience for large screens, while tablets and smartphones allow for flexible, on-the-go viewing. Whether you're casting from your device or watching through the native Smart TV app, DirecTV Stream ensures uninterrupted coverage of every hole and highlight.

Streaming Service Compatibility and Performance

DirecTV Stream supports a wide range of operating systems and hardware platforms, including:

  • iOS (iPhone & iPad)
  • Android (phones & tablets)
  • Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV
  • Web browsers via stream.directv.com
  • Samsung and LG Smart TVs (recent models)

The service offers up to 20 simultaneous streams on home networks and up to 3 streams on mobile networks, ensuring household members can follow different groups or highlights simultaneously. With DVR capabilities included, you can pause the live stream or rewind to catch missed moments, all within the same session.

Never Miss a Shot: Recording & On-Demand Options on DirecTV

Using DirecTV’s DVR Functionality

DirecTV subscribers equipped with the Genie HD DVR can store up to 200 hours of HD content or 800 hours of SD content. That means the entire Grant Thornton Invitational, including pre-coverage, interviews, and final-day highlights, fits seamlessly without managing storage. With the Whole-Home DVR service, recorded content becomes accessible on any compatible Genie-connected TV in the house—no need to be in the living room to catch up.

How to Schedule Recordings for the Event

Scheduling recordings through the on-screen guide is direct and fast. Use the remote control’s Guide button to browse upcoming broadcasts, locate the tournament, and press R once to record the specific airtime, or twice to capture the series if additional coverage segments are listed.

Alternatively, the DirecTV app supports remote scheduling. Even if you're away from the television, open the app, search "Grant Thornton Invitational," and tap “Record”—it syncs instantly with your home receiver, provided both are connected to the internet.

Tip: Record Entire Tournament or Just Final Rounds

  • Want every swing, every putt, and every leaderboard update? Use the Series Record option to capture every scheduled round throughout the tournament weekend.
  • Prefer watching the drama build to a Sunday finish? Manually select and record only the final rounds, typically held over the weekend. It saves DVR space and narrows focus to the most decisive moments.
  • Check for rebroadcasts or extended highlights later in the evening or the next day. These often offer condensed coverage with player interviews and commentary included.

Setting Up DirecTV for Sports Viewing

Watching the Grant Thornton Invitational on DirecTV isn’t just about knowing the channel—it’s about creating the ideal sports viewing experience. With the right setup, every swing, putt, and leaderboard update comes to life with greater clarity and convenience. Here's how to configure DirecTV for peak performance during the tournament.

Optimize Your Setup: 6 Key Tips

  • Select Sports Mode on Your TV: Many Smart TVs feature a Sports Mode setting. Activating this mode optimizes motion handling and color contrast, enhancing fast-paced golf visuals.
  • Connect via HDMI: Use a high-speed HDMI cable between your DirecTV receiver and your television. This ensures a stable, high-definition signal with minimal lag.
  • Use a Dedicated Sound System: External speakers or a soundbar will elevate ambient sound from the course, making you feel as if you’re standing at the 18th hole.
  • Position Your Receiver Strategically: Place it in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources. Consistent airflow prevents overheating during long tournament broadcasts.
  • Enable Closed Captioning if Needed: For viewers following in noisy environments, turn on closed captions directly through your TV or receiver settings without interrupting gameplay.
  • Calibrate Picture Settings: Adjusting brightness, contrast, and sharpness manually or with a calibration disc will deliver a clearer image tailored to your specific screen.

Take Advantage of Smart TVs and 4K Viewing

DirecTV supports 4K UHD broadcasts on select channels for compatible events and equipment. If you own a 4K-capable Smart TV along with a Genie HR54 or HS17 receiver and a 4K DirecTV-ready TV or connected 4K client (like C61K), you're eligible to access this resolution level. Golf in 4K delivers enhanced depth detail and color fidelity, especially useful during wide shots of fairways and greens.

Using internet-connected Smart TVs? Install the DirecTV app through your TV’s app store to access streaming features, switch channels seamlessly, and manage your sports content without needing a remote.

View on Multiple Devices Simultaneously

Subscribers can stream on multiple devices—phones, tablets, and laptops—using the DirecTV Stream app. Log in with your DirecTV credentials and watch the Grant Thornton Invitational from anywhere in your home. Want to track different players? Run multiple streams and follow each scorecard in real time.

Customize Your Sports Guide and Set Reminders

  • Filter for Golf: Within the on-screen Sports Guide, tailor content filters to show only golf events. This keeps your schedule clutter-free and focused.
  • Set Series Recordings Ahead of the Tournament: Navigate to the program listing, click "Record Series" to automatically capture every round—even if the schedule shifts due to weather delays.
  • Use Reminders: Highlight the Grant Thornton Invitational in the Guide, select “Remind,” and receive a one-minute alert before coverage begins.
  • Pin Golf Content: Create a “Favorites” list through the settings menu. Add golf channels like Golf Channel (218) and CBS (221) for one-touch access.

Want to watch without distraction? Turn off non-sports categories in your Guide preferences and activate the Sports tab, which shows all upcoming games, tournaments, and features in one place.

Deep Dives and Exclusive Stories: Interviews, Documentaries, and Features

Beyond live coverage, DirecTV opens a window into the narratives that shape the Grant Thornton Invitational. Through its partnerships with CBS, NBC, and Golf Channel, fans can access an array of content that brings rich context and backstory to the competition.

Special Programming and Documentaries

CBS Sports typically airs pre-tournament profiles and feature stories during the lead-up to the event. These segments often explore athlete preparation, team dynamics, and tournament expectations. Meanwhile, Golf Channel has aired full-length documentaries focusing on the evolution of mixed-team formats in professional golf, with specific nods to the growing presence of LPGA stars in high-stakes settings. NBC Sports follows suit with highlights-driven specials and post-event retrospectives that include top moments, commentary from analysts, and reactions from the field.

  • “Beyond the Fairways” on Golf Channel – Focuses on the strategic challenges unique to co-sanctioned PGA-LPGA events.
  • “Inside the Invitational” from NBC Sports – Includes interviews and crew footage from practice rounds and locker room activity.
  • CBS Sports Features – Highlights the careers and personal journeys of standout women players like Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson.

Behind the Scenes with the Players

Short-form content on DirecTV Sports Mix often delivers behind-the-scenes moments — mic'd up practice sessions, candid locker room interactions, and walk-and-talks during pro-am events. These videos are pushed through the DirecTV app and align with coverage provided through Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive” and “Live From” studio shows.

Spotlight stories on LPGA participants regularly dive into their competitive mindset, training regimens, and roles as ambassadors for the sport. These segments build a more personal connection by pairing professional highlights with off-course moments.

On-Demand Access and App Integration

To locate these features after initial cable broadcast, users can navigate to the “Sports” tab within DirecTV On Demand. Search for “Grant Thornton Invitational” or filter by network (Golf Channel, CBS, NBC) to uncover archived interviews, mini-docs, and highlight reels. The DirecTV app replicates this functionality, offering mobile streaming of archived content, exclusive extras, and player interviews grouped by featured athlete.

For the most streamlined experience, users can also create a “Golf Favorites” list in the app’s personalization settings, allowing curated alerts for new behind-the-scenes content and special features as they're released.

Why the Grant Thornton Invitational Matters

The Grant Thornton Invitational stands apart on the PGA and LPGA schedules—not just for its competition, but for what it represents. As a mixed-team event pairing top male and female golfers, it reshapes ideas about format, visibility, and gender equity in professional golf.

Redefining the Field: Mixed-Team Format

Unlike traditional tour events, this tournament features mixed duos—one PGA Tour professional and one LPGA Tour professional—playing together in true team formats. These include foursomes (alternate shot) and four-ball competitions that demand collaborative strategy, communication, and cohesion. The approach tells a compelling story: elite golf has no gendered ceiling when skill is the ultimate metric.

Visibility for Female Athletes

The inclusion of LPGA professionals in a primetime slot with equal broadcast weight bolsters exposure. For athletes like Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, or Rose Zhang, it’s a nationally televised platform that typically favors male players. This format doesn’t just grant presence—it ensures performance is judged under identical broadcast lights, with equal production value, commentary focus, and replay data. According to LPGA viewership metrics, events highlighting gender equity generate up to 22% higher engagement on mixed platforms.

DirecTV’s Role in Equitable Sports Broadcasting

DirecTV sports coverage extends beyond marquee names and headline matchups. Its multi-channel strategy, access to alternate feeds, and support for expanded sports narratives create a broader viewership environment. Events like the Grant Thornton Invitational benefit from this technological infrastructure, as DirecTV packages the competition with interviews, statistical analysis, and round-the-clock access. The result: a broadcast ecosystem that values performance over legacy, and storytelling over status quo.

With over 15 sports-specific channels, integrations with PGA TOUR LIVE, and customizable sports bars like the SportsMix feature, DirecTV delivers more than proximity to the game—it offers context, equality, and innovation in the way golf is consumed.

Inside the Brand: How DirecTV Sports Markets Top-Tier Golf Coverage

Defining a Premium Sports Experience

DirecTV doesn’t position itself as just another broadcaster in the sports television sector—it brands itself as the option for viewers who demand more. More coverage, more flexibility, more control. From major golf tournaments like the Grant Thornton Invitational to flagship events across the PGA, LPGA, and major international tours, DirecTV aligns its services with the habits and expectations of serious sports fans.

Instead of treating sports as just another line item in its programming, DirecTV builds experiences around it. Broadcasts are augmented with smart interface options, high-definition clarity, and multi-channel views made possible through advanced receivers and tech integrations. This isn’t just about watching; it's about engagement through features that matter to fans who track every shot and every stroke.

Consistent Access to Sports Powerhouses

DirecTV ensures access to a stacked roster of channels broadcasting high-profile tournaments, including CBS Sports, Golf Channel, and NBC. Through its Sports Pack and Premier Package, subscribers unlock continuous coverage—not just the main coverage window, but warm-ups, pre-event analysis, and extended post-game commentary. The result? High-frequency touchpoints that go beyond typical programming blocks.

The brand promotes its superiority through clear calls to action—whether that’s promoting integrated live streaming via the DirecTV App or pushing DVR features that cater to time-shifted viewing. With built-in pause-and-replay tools, viewers never miss momentum—whether at home or on mobile.

Multi-Platform Marketing With a Singular Tone

In social channels, DirecTV maintains a voice that is confident and informed: the insider who already knows the back-nine stats and injury updates before they reach the crawl at the bottom of other networks. Messaging stays unified across platforms, reinforcing the brand as the go-to source for premium sports immersion rather than just linear viewing.

  • Integrated Campaigns: DirecTV pairs event rollouts like the Grant Thornton Invitational with national TV spots, strategic social media pushes, and personalized subscriber notifications.
  • Fan-Centered Language: Marketing speaks directly to golf fans—referencing tee times, course conditions, and player rivalries with the assumption that the audience already knows the game.
  • Smart Partnerships: Promotions often coincide with broadcasts on CBS and Golf Channel, leveraging synergy between content delivery and channel alignment.

By positioning itself at the intersection of technology, convenience, and elite sports access, DirecTV makes its case clearly: for anyone serious about watching live sports like the Grant Thornton Invitational, there’s no need to switch the channel—just the way you experience it.