Masters Saturday Start Time: When To Tune In

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Quick Answer

• Saturday tee times at Augusta National usually kick off bright and early, often between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM Eastern Time.
• Don’t be fooled – broadcast coverage frequently starts even earlier than the first player steps up to the tee.
• Always punch in Masters.com for the definitive schedule; it’s the gospel truth.

Who This Is For

• Die-hard golf fans who live for the drama of the Masters’ third round.
• Anyone meticulously planning their weekend viewing to make sure they catch every crucial shot on Saturday.

What to Check First

• Official Masters Website: This is your main hub. Head straight to Masters.com for the absolute latest tee times. No guesswork needed.
• Broadcast Schedule: Verify with your local TV provider or the network carrying the Masters. TV start times aren’t always the same as the first player’s tee time.
• Earliest Player Tee Time: Scan for the very first group scheduled to hit the course. It’s usually before most folks have even finished their first cup of coffee. I always try to be up and ready before the first ball is struck.
• Time Zone: This is a big one. Make sure you convert the Eastern Time (ET) start to your local time zone. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out because of a time zone fumble.

Step-by-Step Plan to Find the Masters Saturday Start Time

1. Action: Navigate directly to the official Masters Tournament website.

What to look for: A clear “Tee Times” or “Tournament Schedule” section. This is where the official word lives.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming the schedule is identical to previous years. These times can and do shift based on various factors.

2. Action: Locate the specific schedule for Saturday’s third round.

What to look for: A detailed list of player pairings and their assigned tee times. This tells you who is playing when.
Mistake to avoid: Accidentally referencing Friday’s or Sunday’s times. Each day has its own unique schedule.

3. Action: Identify the earliest player tee time listed.

What to look for: The very first time slot on the schedule, which will almost certainly be in the morning.
Mistake to avoid: Getting tunnel vision on the later tee times of the marquee groups and completely missing the start of the day’s play.

4. Action: Check the television broadcast coverage times.

What to look for: Information detailing when the network coverage begins. This is typically before the first group even makes it to the first tee.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking the broadcast starts precisely when the first player tees off. There’s usually a good chunk of pre-game analysis and course previews.

5. Action: Convert the Eastern Time (ET) to your local time zone.

What to look for: The difference between ET and your specific time zone. A quick search will give you the exact conversion.
Mistake to avoid: Tuning in an hour later (or earlier!) than you intended because you forgot to do the time zone math.

What Time Does the Masters Start Saturday? Getting the Details Right

Knowing what time does the Masters start Saturday is crucial for any serious golf fan. Saturday at Augusta National is often the day where the leaderboard truly takes shape. The contenders emerge, and those who can navigate the pressure of moving day often find themselves in contention on Sunday. The staggered start times mean the drama unfolds across a long and exciting day of golf. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and getting your timing right ensures you don’t miss any of the pivotal moments.

Masters Saturday Tee Times: Understanding the Flow

The third round of the Masters, held on Saturday, is a critical juncture in the tournament. As the field is typically cut after 36 holes, Saturday sees the remaining top players battling it out under increasing pressure. The tee times are strategically set to build anticipation throughout the day. Early starters aim to post a good number and put pressure on those playing later, while the final groups often play under the brightest spotlight, with the leaderboard’s complexion changing with every shot. Understanding what time does the Masters start Saturday ensures you’re tuned in for the full narrative arc of the day.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Relying on social media rumors or unofficial golf websites for tee times.

Why it matters: This information can be outdated, inaccurate, or even completely wrong, leading you to miss critical early action or think play has started when it hasn’t.
Fix: Always, always, always confirm tee times on the official Masters Tournament website (Masters.com) or through reputable major sports broadcasting networks.

• Mistake: Forgetting to factor in time zone differences when checking the schedule.

Why it matters: You might tune in an hour late, thinking you’re catching the leaders, only to realize they teed off long ago, or conversely, tune in too early and twiddle your thumbs.
Fix: Before Saturday morning, do the quick math and convert the Eastern Time (ET) start to your local time zone. It’s a simple step that saves a lot of frustration.

• Mistake: Assuming the television broadcast start time is the same as the first player’s tee time.

Why it matters: Pre-tournament shows, in-depth course previews, interviews, and expert analysis often begin well before the first golfer even approaches the first tee. You’ll miss the buildup if you only tune in for live play.
Fix: Check the full broadcast schedule provided by the network. Look for all programming blocks, not just the live golf coverage.

• Mistake: Not checking for potential delays or schedule changes.

Why it matters: Augusta National is no stranger to weather delays. Rain, lightning, or even fog can push back tee times, disrupting your viewing plans if you’re not aware.
Fix: Keep a close eye on the official Masters channels and major sports news outlets on Saturday morning for any announcements regarding delays or schedule adjustments.

• Mistake: Only looking at the tee times for the final few groups.

Why it matters: The leaders often tee off later, but the tournament is won by players making moves throughout the entire day. Missing the early and middle groups means missing crucial birdies and momentum shifts.
Fix: Scroll through the entire list of Saturday tee times. Understand who is playing when, and appreciate how the leaderboard builds over the course of the day.

FAQ

• What is the earliest tee time on Saturday at the Masters?

Typically, the first tee times on Saturday at the Masters are scheduled between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM Eastern Time. This can vary slightly year to year based on the official tournament schedule.

• When does television coverage typically begin on Masters Saturday?

Broadcast coverage usually commences earlier than the first player’s tee shot. It often starts around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM ET on major networks, but it’s always best to verify the specific network’s published schedule for the most accurate start time.

• How can I find out if Saturday’s tee times are delayed due to weather?

The most reliable sources for delay information are the official Masters Tournament website (Masters.com) and the official social media channels of the major sports broadcasters covering the event. They will provide real-time updates.

• Are Saturday tee times grouped differently than earlier rounds at the Masters?

Yes, they are. As the field narrows after the cut, Saturday tee times are generally paired, meaning players go out in groups of two. Furthermore, the players with the lowest scores are scheduled to tee off later in the day, building anticipation for the final groups.

• What is “moving day” at the Masters?

“Moving day” is a common term in golf for the third round (Saturday) of a major championship like the Masters. It’s called this because it’s the day when players typically make significant moves up or down the leaderboard, often setting the stage for Sunday’s final round.

• Can I watch the Masters on my phone or tablet on Saturday?

Absolutely. Most major sports broadcasters offer streaming options for their television coverage. You can usually access live streams through their dedicated apps or websites, provided you have a valid cable or streaming subscription.

• How late does Saturday’s play typically go at the Masters?

With tee times starting in the morning and the last groups usually teeing off in the late afternoon, play often extends into the early evening, especially if there are any weather delays. The final groups will typically finish around 6:00 PM or later ET.