Masters Tournament Broadcast Channels

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Quick Answer

• Catch the Masters on CBS for weekend action and ESPN for early rounds in the US.
• ESPN+ is your go-to for practice rounds, featured groups, and hole-by-hole coverage.
• Always double-check the official Masters website for the most current broadcast schedule.

Who This Is For

• Die-hard golf fans who don’t want to miss a single swing from Augusta National.
• Anyone who needs to know precisely which channels are broadcasting the Masters this year.

What Channels Are The Masters On: First Checks

• Confirm CBS is your primary channel for the Saturday and Sunday broadcasts. This is where the championship drama usually unfolds.
• Verify ESPN is your network for the initial two days of competition, Thursday and Friday. They kick off the tournament coverage.
• Check if ESPN+ is part of your streaming lineup. It’s crucial for accessing practice sessions and exclusive content.
• Bookmark the official Masters Tournament website. It’s the ultimate source for the definitive schedule, times, and any last-minute changes.

Your Ultimate Guide to What Channels Are The Masters On

The Masters is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a tradition. And like any good tradition, you want to make sure you’re set up to enjoy it without any hitches. Knowing where to find the broadcast is step one. It’s a little different each year, but the main players are usually the same. Think of it like packing for a camping trip – you need to know what gear goes where.

Step-by-Step Plan for Watching The Masters

1. Action: Identify your primary viewing network.

What to look for: CBS is your main destination for the weekend rounds, typically Saturday and Sunday. ESPN broadcasts the early rounds, usually Thursday and Friday.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming one network carries the entire event. You’ll miss a huge chunk of the action if you only tune into CBS or only ESPN. It’s a two-part broadcast.

2. Action: Confirm ESPN+ subscription and access.

What to look for: Access to practice rounds, featured groups following specific players, and dedicated coverage of iconic holes like Amen Corner. This is where you get the granular detail.
Mistake to avoid: Not realizing ESPN+ offers exclusive content that significantly enhances the main broadcast. It’s not just filler; it’s often the best view of the course and player strategies.

3. Action: Consult the official Masters schedule religiously.

What to look for: Specific dates, start times for each day’s coverage, and confirmation of which platform (CBS, ESPN, ESPN+) is showing what.
Mistake to avoid: Relying on outdated information or general TV guides. Schedules can shift slightly, and the official Masters website is always the most accurate source. It’s like checking the weather forecast right before you head out.

4. Action: Set up your DVR or recording device well in advance.

What to look for: Sufficient recording space to capture the entire broadcast window for each day. You don’t want to run out of room mid-tournament.
Mistake to avoid: Missing live coverage because of prior commitments or forgetting to set the recording. Recording allows you to watch at your own pace, replaying crucial shots or simply avoiding commercials.

5. Action: Verify your local channel listings.

What to look for: Confirmation of the exact channel numbers for CBS and ESPN in your specific area. These can vary by provider and location.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming your cable or satellite provider automatically carries the necessary channels. Always do a quick check to ensure you won’t be scrambling when tee time arrives.

6. Action: Explore streaming options if you’re not a traditional TV watcher.

What to look for: Live TV streaming services that carry CBS and ESPN (like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV). Also, check the ESPN app for ESPN+ content.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking you need a cable subscription for all streaming. While some services require a cable login for CBS, ESPN+ is often a standalone or easily integrated option.

7. Action: Understand the Masters.com and CBS Sports App integration.

What to look for: The official Masters website and the CBS Sports app often provide live streams of the main broadcast (sometimes requiring a TV provider login) and additional digital-only content.
Mistake to avoid: Overlooking these digital platforms. They are increasingly becoming central hubs for comprehensive tournament viewing.

Following The Masters: Channel Breakdown and Viewing Strategies

Understanding the broadcast schedule is key to fully appreciating the Masters. It’s not just about who wins; it’s about the narrative, the pressure, and the sheer beauty of Augusta National. Having the right channels locked in ensures you get the full story, from the early morning quiet of practice rounds to the roars of the crowd on Sunday afternoon.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Only checking for CBS coverage.
• Why it matters: You’ll miss all the action from Thursday and Friday, which is broadcast on ESPN. This is when the field starts to shape up and early contenders emerge.
• Fix: Always confirm the schedules for both CBS and ESPN. They work in tandem to bring you the complete tournament.

• Mistake: Forgetting about or misunderstanding ESPN+.
• Why it matters: You’ll miss out on exclusive content like featured groups following specific players throughout their rounds, flyovers of the course, and dedicated, hole-by-hole coverage of Amen Corner. This is often where the most compelling golf happens away from the main broadcast.
• Fix: Check if ESPN+ is included in your existing streaming subscriptions (like The Disney Bundle) or consider a short-term sign-up. It’s usually a small price for a massive upgrade in viewing options.

• Mistake: Relying on general TV guides without checking the official Masters schedule.
• Why it matters: Broadcast times and channel assignments can sometimes be adjusted due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The official source is always the most accurate and up-to-date.
• Fix: Make the official Masters website (Masters.com) your primary reference point. Cross-reference it with your provider’s listings if you’re unsure.

• Mistake: Assuming all live TV streaming services carry both CBS and ESPN in all markets.
• Why it matters: While many do, local CBS affiliates can sometimes vary depending on the streaming package and your geographic location.
• Fix: Verify the channel lineup for your specific streaming service and confirm that it includes your local CBS and ESPN affiliates before the tournament begins.

• Mistake: Not accounting for time zone differences if you’re traveling or have friends watching elsewhere.
• Why it matters: Broadcast times are listed for specific time zones (usually Eastern Time for the US). If you’re in the Pacific or Mountain time zone, you’ll need to adjust your viewing schedule accordingly.
• Fix: Always check the broadcast schedule with your local time zone in mind. The Masters website usually provides options for this.

• Mistake: Waiting until the last minute to set up streaming accounts or check app functionality.
• Why it matters: Technical glitches, verification processes, or unexpected subscription requirements can cause delays. You don’t want to be troubleshooting your login when the first tee shot is about to happen.
• Fix: Set up any new streaming accounts or test your existing ones a few days in advance. Make sure you know how to access ESPN+ and the CBS Sports app.

FAQ

• What are the main TV channels broadcasting the Masters Tournament in the US?

In the United States, the Masters is primarily broadcast on ESPN for the early rounds (Thursday and Friday) and on CBS for the weekend rounds (Saturday and Sunday).

• Does ESPN broadcast the entire Masters tournament?

No, ESPN covers the first two days of competition. CBS takes over for the final two days, broadcasting the weekend rounds where the championship is typically decided.

• Is there a way to watch the Masters online without cable?

Yes, absolutely. You can stream ESPN’s coverage and exclusive content like featured groups via ESPN+. CBS coverage can often be streamed through the CBS website or the CBS Sports app, usually requiring a login from a participating cable or live TV streaming provider. Many live TV streaming services also carry both ESPN and CBS.

• Can I watch the practice rounds of the Masters?

Practice rounds are typically available for streaming on ESPN+. This offers a fantastic, less formal look at the course and allows you to see players getting dialed in before the official competition begins.

• What kind of exclusive content can I find on ESPN+ during the Masters?

ESPN+ usually provides comprehensive coverage beyond the main broadcast. This includes featured groups, hole-by-hole coverage of specific areas like Amen Corner, and sometimes on-demand replays of practice rounds. It’s a great way to follow your favorite players or specific parts of the course.

• What if I don’t have access to CBS or ESPN through my traditional TV provider?

Your best bet is to use live TV streaming services that offer these channels, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV (check their packages for channel availability). Alternatively, ESPN+ provides a significant amount of supplementary content on its own.

• How can I ensure I’m watching the most accurate broadcast schedule?

Always refer to the official Masters Tournament website (Masters.com). They provide the definitive schedule, including specific times and broadcast platforms for every day of the tournament. It’s the most reliable source and will keep you from missing any key moments.