How to watch the Sanderson Farms Championship on DirecTV 2025

How to Watch the Sanderson Farms Championship on DirecTV: Full Guide

The Sanderson Farms Championship, held annually in Jackson, Mississippi, ranks as a key event on the PGA Tour’s fall calendar. Known for its competitive field and scenic Country Club of Jackson course, the tournament draws top talent and offers valuable FedExCup points.

Missing a single round can mean missing breakout performances or pivotal Sunday drama. Whether you’re closely following a favorite golfer or just love weekend golf, having the right broadcast details locked down makes all the difference.

This guide lays out everything you need to watch the tournament via DirecTV in the U.S.—from dedicated live TV channels to streaming access through compatible devices. No guesswork, no missed tee times.

Sanderson Farms Championship Schedule and Key Dates

Tournament Rounds: From Opening Day to the Final Putt

The 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship unfolds over four official rounds, taking place from Thursday, October 3 through Sunday, October 6. Following the standard PGA Tour format, players tee off for 72 holes of stroke play across these four days.

• First Round: Thursday, October 3
• Second Round: Friday, October 4
• Third Round: Saturday, October 5
• Final Round: Sunday, October 6

Tee Times Overview

Expect morning and afternoon waves each day, starting around 7:00 AM and continuing into the early afternoon based on player pairings and cut placements. Final round tee times are typically condensed, beginning later in the morning to align with optimized television coverage windows.

Before the Tournament: Practice Rounds and Media Events

While championship play begins on October 3, tournament activities kick off earlier in the week:

• Monday, September 30: Course opens to players for initial practice rounds
• Tuesday, October 1: Official practice sessions continue, with early interviews from top contenders
• Wednesday, October 2: Pro-Am competition and player press conferences provide insight into form and strategy

Fan zones, merchandise tents, and hospitality areas begin operating by midweek, adding to the pre-tournament buzz.

Time Zone Details for U.S. Viewers

The Sanderson Farms Championship is held at The Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi, which operates on Central Daylight Time (CDT). For viewers outside the CDT zone:

• Eastern Time (ET): Add one hour to all local times
• Mountain Time (MT): Subtract one hour
• Pacific Time (PT): Subtract two hours

If you're catching the first tee shot from the West Coast, set the alarm early—7:00 AM CDT translates to 5:00 AM PT. Planning helps you sync up with live broadcasts, especially during the weekend rounds when leaderboard movement intensifies.

Find the Sanderson Farms Championship on DirecTV

Golf Channel Coverage Overview

DirecTV delivers full coverage of the Sanderson Farms Championship through the Golf Channel, which airs each round from the opening tee shot to the last putt. Viewers can expect a mix of live broadcasts, pre-round analysis, and post-round recaps throughout the tournament week. Commentary from golf analysts, on-course reporters, and real-time scoring updates are all part of the standard production.

Channel Number for Golf Channel on DirecTV

The Golf Channel is available on DirecTV channel 218. This channel carries tournament programming across all four days of competition, as well as any extended coverage blocks. DirecTV subscribers with HD service will also access a high-definition feed, offering improved picture clarity and enhanced graphics for scoreboards and player tracking.

Alternate TV Channels for Bonus Coverage or Featured Groups

While the Golf Channel handles the primary broadcast, some tournaments also partner with secondary networks to showcase early morning groups or marquee pairings. These feeds may include:

• PGA TOUR Live – available through various digital platforms but sometimes integrated into satellite packages during major events.
• Sports Mix Channels – DirecTV occasionally activates its Mix channel (e.g., channel 601) during overlapping sports events, which may feature pop-up coverage windows.

As of the most recent broadcast schedule, no additional linear channels beyond Golf Channel have been designated for Sanderson Farms Championship coverage on DirecTV.

ESPN+ or Third-Party Networks (If Applicable)

The PGA TOUR’s digital subscription service, PGA TOUR Live, streams through ESPN+. Although this coverage does not stream via DirecTV's satellite system, it provides supplemental feeds, including morning rounds, featured groups, and holes-specific coverage. For viewers seeking a more granular viewing experience, a separate subscription to ESPN+ grants access online or through the ESPN app.

DirecTV Sports Packages for Golf Coverage

Available DirecTV Packages That Include Golf Channel

To watch the Sanderson Farms Championship on DirecTV, access to Golf Channel is required. Four primary DirecTV packages include the channel:

• ENTERTAINMENT – The base tier that includes over 75 channels, including Golf Channel. Ideal for viewers who want straightforward sports access without premium extras.
• CHOICE – Offers 105+ channels and features regional sports networks, the Golf Channel, and select event channels. This tier strikes a balance between cost and coverage breadth.
• ULTIMATE – With more than 140 live TV channels including specialty sports content, ULTIMATE layers in additional channels like CBS Sports Network and FS2 that often carry golf highlights and replays.
• PREMIER – The most expansive lineup, bundling over 150 channels. It includes premium networks such as HBO, Cinemax, and Showtime alongside comprehensive sports coverage including Golf Channel.

Premium Sports Add-Ons and Bundles for Golf Fans

Beyond the base packages, DirecTV offers sports-focused upgrades that can enhance golf viewing. The Sports Pack add-on stands out—it delivers 40+ regional and specialty sports networks, some of which carry extended PGA Tour coverage, international golf events, and legacy tour replays.

Subscribers to the CHOICE tier and above can also benefit from DirecTV's Regional Sports Fee inclusion, which grants access to local feeds of sports events, often including weekday and early-round golf broadcasts that don't make national air.

Choosing the Right Package for Dedicated Golf Viewers

Those who primarily want access to PGA Tour events, including the Sanderson Farms Championship, will find the ENTERTAINMENT or CHOICE tier sufficient. However, viewers aiming for full-season coverage, including international tours like DP World and LPGA events, gain more consistency with the ULTIMATE or PREMIER plans.

Want uninterrupted weekend coverage, bonus commentary, and full-featured round analysis? Then consider pairing the CHOICE package with the Sports Pack add-on. The combination ensures access to national broadcasts and additional replay windows on lesser-known channels within the network cluster.

Which tier reflects how many hours of golf you plan to watch this season?

Comprehensive Golf Channel Broadcast Coverage for the Sanderson Farms Championship

Live Broadcast Schedule on Golf Channel

Golf Channel holds exclusive cable rights to the Sanderson Farms Championship, airing live coverage across all four days of competition. The full broadcast timeline follows:

• Thursday (Opening Round): Live Coverage from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET
• Friday (Second Round): Live Coverage from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET
• Saturday (Third Round): Live Coverage from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET
• Sunday (Final Round): Live Coverage from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET

Each day's coverage syncs tightly with on-course action, providing east coast viewers access during prime late afternoon hours. West coast viewers receive early afternoon broadcast windows, ideal for weekend watching.

Pre-Tournament Analysis, Live Play-by-Play, and Post-Round Reviews

Golf Channel doesn’t just air tournament footage—it builds an immersive narrative around each day’s competition. Beginning an hour before the first tee time, “Golf Central” delivers pre-tournament analysis with live checks from the practice range, player interviews, and strategy breakdowns. Experts dissect the field's form, course setups, and projected scoring dynamics.

During live rounds, coverage includes uninterrupted play-by-play with minimal commercial interruption. Expect detailed shot analysis, player stats, on-course mic pickups, and real-time leaderboard updates. After play concludes, Golf Channel allocates significant time to post-round reviews—highlighting pivotal shots, late-round moves, and leaderboard shakeups.

Commentators and Tournament Coverage Team

The Sanderson Farms Championship broadcast taps into Golf Channel’s seasoned talent pool. The primary booth usually features Terry Gannon on play-by-play duties, paired with Frank Nobilo or Justin Leonard for analysis. On-course reporting is often led by Notah Begay III, Karen Stupples, and Billy Ray Brown, who provide firsthand insights on conditions, club selections, and player mindset.

Behind the scenes, Golf Channel leverages high-definition drone footage, enhanced ball-tracing technology, and in-round statistical overlays powered by PGA TOUR’s ShotLink system. Combined, the production values offer a dynamic and data-rich viewing experience.

DirecTV Guide Navigation: Locate Every Golf Event Without Missing a Shot

Step-by-Step: Navigating the On-Screen Guide

To locate the Sanderson Farms Championship — or any PGA Tour event — start by accessing DirecTV's on-screen guide. Use your DirecTV remote to press the "Guide" button. This launches the channel list in chronological order. Navigate through the grid using the arrow keys, moving forward in the schedule or jumping days with the fast-forward buttons.

The Golf Channel typically appears under channel 218 on most DirecTV plans. Scroll to that listing, then browse the upcoming time slots to find specific broadcast segments of the championship: early round coverage, featured groups, or post-round analysis.

Using Keyword Search

Speed up the search by skipping the manual scroll. Press the "Menu" button on your remote, then select Search & Browse. In the search bar, type keywords such as:

• “Golf” – Delivers a list of all upcoming broadcasts across sports networks related to the sport.
• “PGA” – Narrows results to PGA-sanctioned events, including live rounds and post-game analyses.
• “Sanderson Farms” – Directs you to the exact scheduled listings dedicated to the tournament.

Once located, you can navigate directly to the selected program or check additional air times and rebroadcasts by clicking on the event title.

Setting Reminders and Notifications

Don’t leave the schedule to memory. Avoid missing tee times by setting program reminders. When selecting an upcoming program in the guide, press the SELECT button, then choose “Record” or “Remind” from the pop-up menu. Weekly golfing events can also be turned into series recordings, ensuring every round gets captured automatically.

DirecTV also supports onscreen pop-up notifications for reminders — a nudge just before the broadcast starts. For added ease, integrate your DirecTV account with the DirecTV mobile app to receive push alerts directly to your smartphone or tablet. That way, even if you step away from the living room, you’ll still know when coverage begins.

DVR Support for Championship Coverage

How to Use DirecTV DVR to Record Live Matches

Capturing every swing of the Sanderson Farms Championship becomes effortless with DirecTV’s DVR functionality. Press the “Record” button on your DirecTV remote while tuned into the Golf Channel or designated broadcast channel. You'll see a prompt confirming the recording. Use the on-screen menu to adjust the start and end times, preventing any early tee-off or playoff action from getting cut.

Alternatively, navigate to the event listing within the program guide, press “Info,” then select “Record Episode.” This method ensures cleaner scheduling, especially for events with time changes or rescheduling due to weather interruptions.

Series Recording vs. Single-Event Recording

The difference between recording a single event and the full tournament series comes down to scope and convenience. By choosing "Record Series,” DirecTV automatically captures all coverage under the event’s broadcast name—including pre-game analysis, post-round discussions, and every tournament round.

Use this feature when the Sanderson Farms Championship spans multiple broadcast segments across different days or times. For one-time viewing, select “Record Episode.” This limits storage usage and organizes your DVR library more efficiently if you're only interested in, say, Sunday's final round.

Storage Tips for Keeping Highlights and Rounds Saved

• Use folders to group all Sanderson Farms recordings—this keeps highlights, rounds, and features under one accessible label.
• Adjust recording settings to “Keep Until I Delete” for must-watch moments like playoff rounds or record-breaking performances.
• Delete duplicate or unused segments to free space immediately after a session ends, especially if using the standard HDD DVR model with limited capacity.
• Enable auto-delete for lower-priority recordings so that championship footage always stays preserved.

Want to rewatch a critical moment on-demand even weeks later? Mark that recording as “Protected,” and it stays untouched until manually erased.

Stream the Sanderson Farms Championship: Flexible Options for Every Fan

Comparing Streaming to Traditional TV Viewing

Streaming opens doors that cable cannot. It allows viewers to tune into the Sanderson Farms Championship from virtually anywhere—without being tied to a living room or set-top box. While traditional TV provides rock-solid reliability and high-definition clarity, streaming offers mobility and device flexibility.

High-speed internet turns laptops, tablets, and smartphones into real-time broadcast hubs. For golf fans managing busy schedules or traveling during tournament weekend, streaming eliminates the risk of missing out.

DirecTV Stream: Live Golf, Untethered

Subscribers to DirecTV Stream—previously known as AT&T TV—receive access to the same Golf Channel and NBC coverage that's available via satellite. The service transmits live tournament feeds in up to 4K resolution, depending on your device and connection speed.

Through DirecTV Stream, users can watch every round of the Sanderson Farms Championship in real-time. All content mirrors the traditional Golf Channel broadcast schedule, including early round tee times, featured group coverage, and final-round drama on Sunday.

Follow the Fairway on Mobile Devices

Smartphones aren't just for texts and emails—they double as portable viewing platforms for the tournament. The DirecTV Stream app, compatible with both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices, gives users direct access to the live broadcast no matter where they are.

• Log in using your DirecTV Stream account to watch on mobile.
• Pause and rewind live content using the app’s built-in DVR features.
• Switch between multiple channels covering the event in real time.

Whether you're commuting, waiting in line, or relaxing outdoors, the entire tournament fits in your pocket.

Authenticating on Golf Channel and NBC Sports Apps

The Golf Channel App and NBC Sports App expand streaming coverage even further. Fans with a DirecTV subscription can log in using their existing account credentials. This unlocks full access to:

• Live tournament feeds and alternate broadcasts
• On-demand analysis and post-round interviews
• Behind-the-scenes footage and highlights

Authentication takes less than a minute. Once logged in, users stay connected to the action without interruption, across all scheduled tee times and leaderboard shifts.

Stream the Sanderson Farms Championship on Your Smart Devices

Compatible Devices for DirecTV Streaming

Watching the Sanderson Farms Championship on the go or from the comfort of your couch is fully supported by DirecTV’s mobile and smart device ecosystem. Whether you prefer handheld viewing or big-screen immersion, DirecTV covers an extensive range of platforms:

• Roku: All current-generation Roku players and Roku TVs support the DirecTV app. Launch it from your home screen, sign in with your DirecTV credentials, and access live Golf Channel coverage.
• Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick: Fire TV integration is seamless. Download the DirecTV app from the Amazon Appstore, log in, and stream live broadcasts and replays in real time.
• Apple TV: Apple TV HD and 4K models support the DirecTV app from the App Store. Once installed, you can browse live sports, including golf tournaments, with built-in Siri voice navigation.
• Smart TVs: Select models from Samsung, LG, and Vizio feature native support for the DirecTV app. Installation happens through each brand's respective app store—Samsung Smart Hub, LG Content Store, or Vizio SmartCast.
• iOS & Android Devices: Smartphones and tablets running iOS 14.0+ or Android 7.0+ can stream directly from the mobile app, making commutes or breaks ideal times to catch shots from the fairway.

Streaming Quality: HD and 4K Considerations

DirecTV streams the Sanderson Farms Championship in high-definition by default. For those equipped with 4K-capable devices and access to compatible channels, selected rounds and featured groups may stream in 4K Ultra HD where available.

To unlock 4K streaming benefits, viewers need:

• A 4K-compatible device (e.g., Roku Ultra, Apple TV 4K, Fire TV Cube, or supported smart TVs)
• A 4K TV with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 support
• The appropriate DirecTV plan and equipment (including the Genie HR54 or Genie 2 receiver)
• A steady internet connection, preferably 25 Mbps or higher for consistent 4K delivery

HD delivers crisp visuals and smooth playback, but when streamed in 4K, golf coverage offers more vivid turf textures, sharper ball tracking, and richer detail—especially during course flyovers or slow-motion replays.

Planning to watch from your tablet in the airport terminal or projecting to an 85” OLED screen in the living room? DirecTV adapts to both scenarios, ensuring the Sanderson Farms Championship follows you, where and how you watch.

Understand Subscription and Pricing Requirements Before Tuning In

DirecTV Packages That Include Golf Channel

To watch the Sanderson Farms Championship on DirecTV, your subscription must include the Golf Channel. DirecTV offers this network starting with the Choice package. Here's a breakdown of the relevant pricing tiers as of Q1 2025 :

• Choice Package: $84.99/month — includes 105+ channels, with Golf Channel available nationwide.
• Ultimate Package: $114.99/month — adds specialty sports networks and enhanced DVR capability.
• Premier Package: $159.99/month — includes premium channels like HBO and Showtime along with all sports coverage from the lower tiers.

All package prices above reflect the standard rate after the promotional period ends. Taxes and regional sports fees apply additionally. Golf Channel is not included in the basic Entertainment package.

Streaming-Only Packages and Free Trial Options

Golf Channel also comes bundled with DirecTV Stream, a standalone streaming alternative without satellite equipment. The channel is included starting with the Choice tier of DirecTV Stream:

• DirecTV Stream Choice: $108.99/month — supports up to 20 simultaneous streams in-home and includes full Golf Channel access.

New subscribers can access a 5-day free trial on DirecTV Stream, making it possible to watch select tournament days without upfront cost. Premium add-ons such as HBO Max or regional sports networks are available, though not required for Golf Channel access.

Regional Availability and Blackout Restrictions

DirecTV broadcasts the Golf Channel on a national level, so regional blackout restrictions for the Sanderson Farms Championship don’t apply. However, in rare cases where a local affiliate may simulcast alternate programming, access via Golf Channel ensures uninterrupted coverage. When streaming, location settings must align with billing ZIP code to activate access to correct channel lineups.

Explore Alternate Broadcasts and Featured Groups on DirecTV

DirecTV enhances the Sanderson Farms Championship viewing experience through specialized broadcasts that go beyond the primary telecast. These alternate streams are designed for fans who want more in-depth coverage—whether it’s following specific players, hearing detailed analysis, or accessing exclusive digital content. Here’s how to make the most of these offerings.

Featured Groups and Player-Focused Coverage

DirecTV, in coordination with Golf Channel and NBC Sports, regularly delivers “Featured Group” coverage during PGA Tour events. For the Sanderson Farms Championship, this coverage typically showcases marquee pairings from Thursday through Sunday. Expect dedicated feeds that follow two or more specific groups throughout their entire rounds—ideal for fans tracking individual player performance or rooting for favorites.

• To access featured groups, navigate to the Golf Channel or activate the “Sports Mix” channel on DirecTV where multiple live feeds are shown.
• Featured coverage often starts before or runs concurrently with the main broadcast, allowing earlier tee-time action to be viewed live.

Alternative Commentary and Enhanced Feeds

Some rounds of the Sanderson Farms Championship include supplemental feeds with alternate commentary, delivered through DirecTV’s Red Button feature or via network streaming apps tied to your DirecTV login. This coverage might focus on analytics, player mic’d interactions, swing tracker overlays, or on-course reporter storytelling—a layer of insight not found in the primary broadcast.

• Behind-the-scenes angles and shot-by-shot commentary add strategic perspective.
• Occasional “ShotLink-driven” content provides real-time ball tracking and stats overlays.

Digital Bonus Content Access

Viewers connected through the DirecTV app or using connected TVs with internet support can unlock additional content streams during tournament play. This includes

• Press room interviews with players and coaches following each round.
• Slow-motion replay feeds of key shots or pivotal moments.
• Digital-first companion shows hosted by PGA Tour staffers or former players.

Bonus content is mainly distributed through NBC Sports or PGA Tour Live portals, both accessible via DirecTV’s authentication options. Launching the Golf Channel app or using the NBC Sports app on a smart TV with your DirecTV credentials opens up extended offerings not visible on legacy cable boxes.

Looking for a player’s reaction after an eagle on the 17th? Curious about how wind direction changed club choices throughout the day? These alternate feeds and digital features turn standard coverage into an in-depth, player-centric viewing experience.