I am thinking about subscribing to AppleTV. Can I get the golf channel? CNBC

If you want to watch the Golf Channel or CNBC without a cable or satellite TV provider, then you can subscribe to an internet streaming TV provider (watch through an app on an internet connected device, including select smart TVs).

For the US, choose from Hulu+Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, fuboTV, DirecTV Stream. All these have the mentioned channels in their bundles. These channels are not available standalone without TV provider plan.

Each of these TV providers have apps for Apple devices. Check the various app stores for non-apple devices that you may have.

No. The Apple TV app is NOT a cable service and does not provide local channels or cable channels. The Apple TV app is a platform for providers to offer subscription services via its App Store.