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How to Watch the Masters Tournament

ByThe Golfer

← Major Golf Events & Tournaments | The Four Majors


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Quick Answer

  • Catch the iconic green jacket action on CBS and ESPN for live TV broadcasts.
  • Stream the tournament live and on-demand via Paramount+, Masters.com, and the official Masters app.
  • Always consult the official Masters schedule for precise broadcast times and platform details to avoid missing a shot.

Who This Guide Is For

  • Golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike who want to follow the year’s first major championship.
  • Anyone looking for a clear, no-nonsense guide to the best ways to watch the Masters, whether you’re a seasoned pro at tournament viewing or a rookie.

What to Check First for Masters Viewing

  • TV Provider Lineup: Before you get your hopes up, verify that CBS and ESPN are actually included in your current cable or satellite TV package. This is the most basic, yet crucial, first step. You don’t want to be scrambling for the remote when Tiger is teeing off.
  • Internet Connectivity: If you plan on streaming any part of the tournament, give your Wi-Fi a quick once-over. A stable, reasonably fast internet connection is non-negotiable for smooth streaming. Slow internet equals choppy video, and that’s a major buzzkill.
  • Official Masters Broadcast Schedule: The Masters Tournament website (Masters.com) and its official app are your definitive sources for broadcast times, channel information, and streaming details. Bookmark these pages now. Don’t rely on third-party sites that might have outdated info.
  • Streaming Service Subscriptions: If you’re planning to use services like Paramount+, ensure your subscription is active and up-to-date. An expired subscription is a surefire way to miss out. I learned that the hard way with a different event once.
  • Device Compatibility: For streaming via the Masters app or other platforms, confirm that your smart TV, tablet, phone, or computer is compatible with the required apps or streaming services. Nothing worse than finding out your favorite streaming device isn’t supported on tournament day.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Watch the Masters Tournament

Alright, let’s get you set up to watch some incredible golf from Augusta National. It’s not rocket science, but a little planning goes a long way.

1. Identify Your TV Broadcast Channels: The primary networks broadcasting the Masters are CBS and ESPN. You’ll want to check your cable or satellite TV provider’s channel guide to confirm the exact channel numbers for CBS and ESPN in your area.

  • What to look for: The channel numbers for CBS and ESPN.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming you know the channels or that they are the same as last year. Providers sometimes shuffle things around. Double-checking ensures you’re tuned to the right frequency when the action starts.

2. Explore Official Streaming Options: Masters.com and the official Masters app are your best friends for digital viewing. They often provide live streams of featured groups, Amen Corner, and the 15th and 16th holes, in addition to the main broadcast feeds.

  • What to look for: The availability of live streams, video-on-demand content, and any specific requirements like a TV provider login.
  • Mistake to avoid: Waiting until the tournament starts to download the app or visit the website. Get it set up beforehand so you’re ready to roll. I usually download the app the week before.

3. Confirm Subscription Services for Broader Coverage: For the full broadcast experience, services like Paramount+ (which often carries the CBS feed) can be a lifesaver if you don’t have traditional cable or are on the go.

  • What to look for: Whether the service you plan to use carries the official CBS or ESPN broadcasts, and if it requires a separate subscription or add-on.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming your general streaming subscription includes live sports or specific network feeds. Many services have different tiers or content packages. Always verify what’s included.

4. Check the Official Masters Tournament Schedule: This is crucial. The Masters has a specific broadcast schedule that often differs between networks and even throughout the day. For example, ESPN might cover the early rounds, while CBS takes over for the weekend.

  • What to look for: The start and end times for each day’s coverage, and which network or platform is broadcasting specific segments (e.g., practice rounds, featured groups, main broadcast).
  • Mistake to avoid: Guessing the start times. You might tune in an hour late and miss a golfer making a run up the leaderboard. Trust the official schedule – it’s your roadmap.

5. Test Your Streaming Setup: If you’re going the digital route, do a trial run. Stream a bit of content on Masters.com or the app on the device you plan to use.

  • What to look for: Smooth playback, good video quality, and quick loading times.
  • Mistake to avoid: Not testing your internet speed or streaming device beforehand. A buffer-filled stream is incredibly frustrating and can ruin the viewing experience. I always do a quick speed test on my home Wi-Fi just to be sure.

6. Download and Familiarize Yourself with the Masters App: The official Masters app is a treasure trove of information. Beyond live streaming, it offers real-time scoring, course updates, player statistics, and historical content.

  • What to look for: Features like live scoring, course maps, video highlights, and push notifications for key moments.
  • Mistake to avoid: Only downloading the app minutes before you want to watch. Take some time to explore its features so you know how to navigate it efficiently during the tournament.

7. Consider Alternative Viewing Platforms (If Applicable): Some live TV streaming services (like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV) might offer CBS and ESPN. Check if these are viable options for you.

  • What to look for: Whether the specific live TV streaming package you have or are considering includes the necessary channels.
  • Mistake to avoid: Signing up for a new streaming service without confirming it carries the Masters broadcasts. Read the channel lineups carefully.

Mastering the Masters: Your Viewing Strategy

Navigating the broadcast landscape for a major like the Masters can seem complex, but with a clear strategy, you’ll be set. This tournament is a tradition unlike any other, and catching it live is part of the magic. Whether you’re glued to your television or following along on your phone, having the right information ensures you don’t miss a single swing from the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.

Common Mistakes in Masters Viewing

  • Forgetting to check the official schedule — Leads to missing key tee times or broadcast start times. The Masters often has staggered coverage, with different networks or platforms airing specific parts of the day. — Always consult Masters.com or the official app for accurate, up-to-the-minute times and platform details.
  • Assuming your streaming service has rights — Many general streaming services do not carry live sports or specific network feeds without particular add-ons or higher-tier packages. — Verify your subscription explicitly includes live CBS and ESPN broadcasts before the tournament begins.
  • Not testing internet speed beforehand — Slow or unstable internet results in constant buffering, pixelated video, and a generally poor viewing experience, especially during crucial moments. — Perform a reliable internet speed test well before the tournament starts, and if speeds are low, troubleshoot your Wi-Fi or consider a wired connection.
  • Ignoring device compatibility for apps — You might find that the official Masters app or your chosen streaming service isn’t supported on your preferred viewing device (e.g., an older smart TV, a specific tablet model). — Check the app store listings or the Masters.com website for a list of supported devices and operating systems before you rely on a particular gadget.
  • Waiting until the last minute to log in or set up accounts — Trying to create an account, verify a TV provider login, or subscribe to a service when the tournament is already underway can lead to delays and missed action. — Get all your logins, subscriptions, and app installations sorted out at least a day or two in advance.
  • Missing out on practice round or Par 3 Contest coverage — While the main tournament coverage is paramount, many fans enjoy the build-up. Some platforms or apps offer coverage of practice rounds or the popular Par 3 Contest. — Check the full Masters schedule for these ancillary events if you want the complete Augusta experience.
  • Not having a backup plan — Technology can be fickle. Your primary streaming device might die, your internet could go out, or your cable might be interrupted. — Have a secondary viewing option in mind, whether it’s a different device, a different streaming service, or even a local sports bar known for showing major golf events.

FAQ for Watching the Masters

  • What are the main television channels that broadcast the Masters?

The Masters Tournament is primarily broadcast on CBS and ESPN. ESPN typically covers the earlier rounds (Thursday and Friday), while CBS takes over for the weekend rounds (Saturday and Sunday). Always check the official schedule for precise assignments.

  • Can I watch the Masters online without a cable subscription?

Yes, you absolutely can. Streaming is a popular option. You can watch via Paramount+ (which usually carries the CBS feed), through Masters.com, or by using the official Masters app. Many live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV also carry CBS and ESPN, allowing you to stream without a traditional cable box.

  • Is there an official app for watching the Masters Tournament?

Absolutely. The official Masters app is available for both iOS and Android devices. It’s a fantastic resource that provides live streaming of featured groups, hole-by-hole coverage, real-time scoring, video highlights, and much more. It’s an essential tool for any serious fan.

  • Do I need to pay extra to stream the Masters?

It depends on the method. Watching the CBS and ESPN broadcasts through your existing cable or satellite provider doesn’t cost extra. However, streaming services like Paramount+ require a paid subscription. The official Masters app and Masters.com often provide free content, but some features or full broadcast streams might require a TV provider login or a subscription to a partner service.

  • When does the Masters coverage usually start and end?

Coverage typically begins on Thursday morning and concludes on Sunday afternoon. The exact start times for each day’s broadcast can vary, often starting in the early morning and extending through the late afternoon. It’s vital to check the official Masters schedule for the most accurate timings for each day and for each network or platform.

  • Can I watch practice rounds or the Par 3 Contest?

Yes, you often can. The Masters Tournament website and app usually provide coverage of practice rounds and the popular Par 3 Contest, which takes place on the Wednesday before the tournament begins. This content is a great way to get into the spirit of the week and see the players in a more relaxed setting.

  • What if I’m outside the US? Can I still watch the Masters?

Broadcast rights vary by country. International viewers should check the official Masters website or local sports broadcasters in their region for information on how to watch the tournament. Many countries have dedicated sports channels or streaming services that carry major golf events like the Masters.

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