PGA Tour golf is coming back to the worldwide leader’s main channel.
On Monday morning, the PGA Tour announced that first and second round coverage from this week’s Farmers Insurance open will be aired on ESPN’s linear cable network in addition to the Tour’s typical broadcasts on ESPN+, Golf channel and CBS.
The proclamation makes the Farmers Insurance open the first golf tournament to air on ESPN in nearly two decades and opens the door for the Tour to expand its televised hours on one of America’s largest and most influential cable networks. It also boosts the audience and reach for one of the most highly anticipated PGA Tour appearances in some time: five-time major champion Brooks koepka’s return after nearly four seasons with LIV Golf.
According to a person with knowledge of the Tour/ESPN agreement, the broadcast “expansion” to ESPN’s cable channels is not a new agreement between the two parties, and will not generate an additional rights fee for the Tour. Rather, the move is a strategic use of existing assets to maximize viewership.
“We’re excited to bring the Farmers Insurance Open to ESPN’s linear channels,” said a PGA Tour spokesperson. “This provides more opportunities for fans to tune in and watch the world’s best golfers compete.”
the decision to air the tournament on ESPN comes at a pivotal moment for the PGA Tour. The Tour is currently in negotiations with Strategic Sports Group (SSG), a consortium of sports owners, to secure a $3 billion investment. The deal is expected to give the Tour more financial flexibility to compete with LIV Golf, which has poached several high-profile players with lucrative contracts.
Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour is a major storyline for the Farmers Insurance Open. The 33-year-old won four major championships between 2017 and 2019, but his career stalled after joining LIV Golf in 2022. He has publicly expressed regret over his decision to leave the PGA Tour, and is now hoping to regain his form and contend for major championships again.
“I’m excited to be back playing on the PGA Tour,” Koepka said in a statement. “I missed the competition, and I’m looking forward to seeing all the fans again.”
The Farmers Insurance Open will be televised on ESPN, ESPN+, Golf Channel and CBS from January 25-28.
