The Ultimate Guide for Indian Golf Fans to the 2026 PGA Championship
Golf has seen a massive surge in popularity across India over the last few years. With local stars making waves on international tours, more Indian fans are waking up in the middle of the night to catch the world's best golfers battle it out for the Wanamaker Trophy. The 2026 PGA Championship, which marks the 108th edition of this prestigious major, is set to be one of the most anticipated events on the sporting calendar. If you are wondering how to watch the 2026 PGA live in India, you have come to the right place. This guide will walk you through every possible viewing option, from traditional television to modern streaming apps, ensuring you do not miss a single birdie or eagle.
Understanding the 2026 PGA Championship Venue and Dates
Before we dive into the broadcast details, it is important to know what we are waiting for. The 2026 PGA Championship is scheduled to be held at the iconic Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. This historic course, designed by the legendary Donald Ross, is known for its challenging layout and undulating greens. For Indian viewers, the location is crucial because it dictates the timing of the broadcast. Since Pennsylvania operates on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), there is a significant time difference of 9 hours and 30 minutes with India Standard Time (IST). This means the action will largely take place during the late evening and early morning hours for fans in India.
How to Watch 2026 PGA on TV in India
For many traditional sports fans in India, the big screen is still the preferred way to watch golf. The broadcasting rights for major golf tournaments in India have historically been held by Eurosport India (formerly DSport). Eurosport has been the home for the PGA Tour and several majors, offering high-definition coverage that captures the lush fairways of the world's best courses. To watch the 2026 PGA Championship on TV, you will need to ensure that Eurosport is part of your DTH (Direct-to-Home) package. You can find this channel on major providers such as Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, and Dish TV. Usually, the coverage begins around 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM IST and continues until the early hours of 4:00 AM IST.
Checking Your DTH Channel Numbers
To help you navigate, here are the general channel numbers for Eurosport across various Indian DTH platforms. On Tata Play, it is usually found around channel 495. For Airtel Digital TV subscribers, look toward channel 304. Dish TV and Videocon d2h users typically find it in the sports section near channel 630. It is always a good idea to check your provider's mobile app a few days before the tournament to ensure the channel is active in your subscription plan.
Live Streaming Options in India
If you prefer watching on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, streaming is the way to go. In India, the digital landscape for sports is constantly evolving. For the 2026 PGA Championship, there are a few likely candidates for streaming rights. Traditionally, Discovery+ has been the digital home for Eurosport content in India. A subscription to Discovery+ allows you to stream the live broadcast of the PGA Championship with the added benefit of being able to rewind or watch highlights on demand. This is particularly useful for Indian fans who might miss the live action due to the late-night timings.
Potential Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar or FanCode
While Eurosport often holds the primary rights, sometimes sub-licensing deals bring golf to platforms like Disney+ Hotstar or FanCode. FanCode, in particular, has become a hub for niche sports in India, offering 'Tour Passes' that allow you to pay only for the specific event you want to watch. This is a budget-friendly option for those who do not want to commit to a full monthly or yearly subscription of a larger streaming service. Keep an eye on these platforms as the tournament dates approach in May 2026.
The Best Way to Watch: PGA Tour Live and International Apps
For the hardcore golf enthusiast who wants more than just the main broadcast, the PGA Tour's own digital offerings are worth exploring. While certain regional restrictions apply, many Indian fans use the PGA Tour app to follow live leaderboards and shot-tracking data. For a more immersive experience, checking if 'Golf TV' or its successor service is available in the Indian region is a smart move. These services often provide 'Featured Group' coverage, allowing you to follow specific players like Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy through every single hole of their round, rather than just seeing the highlights on the main feed.
Using a VPN for Global Coverage
Sometimes, the local Indian broadcast might have heavy ad interruptions or may not show the early starters. If you want to access the full American coverage from broadcasters like ESPN+ or CBS, many fans in India opt for a Virtual Private Network (VPN). By using a reliable VPN service, you can set your location to the United States and access streaming services that are normally geo-blocked. This requires a subscription to the US service (like ESPN+), but it provides the most comprehensive coverage possible, including pre-tournament shows and post-round analysis that isn't always available on Indian television.
Technical Requirements for a Smooth Experience
Watching a high-definition sports stream requires a stable internet connection. Since the PGA Championship broadcast lasts for several hours, you will need a data plan that can handle the load. For Indian viewers using mobile data, 5G has become quite reliable in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. However, for the best experience on a Smart TV, a fiber-optic connection (like JioFiber or Airtel Xstream) with at least 50 Mbps speed is recommended. This ensures that you get a buffer-free 1080p or 4K stream, making you feel like you are right there in Pennsylvania.
Players to Watch and Why Indians Should Care
The 2026 PGA Championship will likely feature a mix of established legends and rising stars. For Indian fans, the primary interest often lies in seeing how Asian players and those with Indian heritage perform. Players like Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri have inspired a generation of Indian golfers, and seeing them qualify for a major is a point of national pride. Additionally, global superstars like Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland will be at the peak of their careers in 2026, making the competition incredibly fierce. Watching how these pros navigate the tricky Donald Ross greens at Aronimink will be a masterclass in short-game strategy.
Conclusion: Getting Ready for the Tee Off
Watching the 2026 PGA Championship from India requires a bit of planning due to the time zone differences and the variety of platforms available. Whether you choose to watch on Eurosport via your DTH provider, stream it on Discovery+ or FanCode, or use a VPN to catch international feeds, the effort is well worth it. The PGA Championship is known for its dramatic finishes and high stakes, and the 2026 edition at Aronimink promises to be no different. Make sure your subscriptions are active, your internet is fast, and your coffee is ready for those late-night sessions. The beauty of golf lies in its patience and precision, and as a fan in India, your patience will surely be rewarded with world-class sporting action.
What time will the 2026 PGA Championship start in India?
Due to the time difference between Pennsylvania (EDT) and India (IST), the live broadcast usually begins around 8:30 PM IST and runs until approximately 4:30 AM IST the following morning.
Can I watch the 2026 PGA Championship for free in India?
Generally, there is no legal free live stream for the PGA Championship in India. However, some streaming platforms like FanCode or Discovery+ may offer a free trial period for new users, or you might find highlights on the official PGA Championship YouTube channel.
Which TV channel is broadcasting the PGA Championship in India?
Eurosport India is the most likely TV broadcaster for the 2026 PGA Championship. It is available on all major DTH platforms like Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, and Dish TV.
Is the 2026 PGA Championship available on Disney+ Hotstar?
While Disney+ Hotstar has carried golf in the past, the current rights for the PGA Championship usually sit with Eurosport and Discovery+. It is best to check the app listings a week before the tournament starts in May 2026.
