Masters Sunday: Estimated Final Round End Time

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Quick Answer

• Expect the Masters final round to wrap up between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday.
• Weather delays, a nail-biting leaderboard, or even a playoff can push that finish time around.
• Your best bet for the most accurate, real-time estimate? Keep an eye on the official Masters broadcasts or trusted sports news on Sunday.

Who This Is For

• Golf fans who are planning their viewing schedule, setting up their Man Cave, or coordinating with buddies to catch every thrilling moment of the final round.
• Casual viewers who want to tune in for the iconic Green Jacket ceremony and the dramatic conclusion of one of golf’s greatest events.
• Sports bettors and fantasy golf players who need to track potential end times for their wagers or fantasy league outcomes.

What to Check First

• Official Masters Tournament Website: This is your ground zero. Head to Masters.com for the most up-to-date schedule, any official announcements, and projected tee times for the final round leaders.
• Live TV Broadcast Schedule: Check your local CBS or ESPN listings. They’ll have specific start and end times for their coverage of the final round. Remember, these are estimates, but they’re a solid starting point.
• Weather Forecast for Augusta, Georgia: Augusta National is notorious for its quick-changing weather. A quick look at the forecast can tell you if rain, lightning, or high winds might throw a wrench in the works and cause delays. This is crucial.
• Leaderboard Dynamics: As the day progresses, keep an eye on how tight the competition is. A leaderboard with multiple players within a few strokes of the lead often means more strategic play and potentially a longer, more dramatic finish.

Tracking What Time Will the Masters End on Sunday

Alright, so you want to know when to be glued to the screen for the final walk up 18? Here’s your game plan to nail down the estimated finish time for the Masters final round. It’s not an exact science, but you can get pretty darn close.

1. Action: Monitor the official Masters Tournament website (Masters.com) throughout Sunday.

What to look for: Any official schedule updates, projected finish times posted by the tournament organizers, or announcements regarding delays. They’re the definitive source.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming the initial schedule posted on Thursday will hold firm. Golf, especially at Augusta, is a wild ride.

2. Action: Tune into the live television broadcast on CBS.

What to look for: Listen closely to the announcers. They’ll often provide commentary on the projected finish time based on the pace of play and the current leaderboard. They’re usually pretty good at giving you a sense of where things are heading.
Mistake to avoid: Missing crucial updates during commercial breaks. I’ve definitely been caught off guard by a sudden schedule shift because I was grabbing a snack.

3. Action: Keep a close watch on the weather reports for Augusta, Georgia.

What to look for: The likelihood of rain, thunderstorms, or significant wind. Severe weather is the biggest culprit for delays and can dramatically alter the end time.
Mistake to avoid: Ignoring the weather forecast. It’s not just about whether you need an umbrella; it’s about potential suspensions of play.

4. Action: Observe the leaderboard as the final round progresses, especially on the back nine.

What to look for: How many players are within striking distance of the lead. A tight race often leads to more cautious play, strategic decisions, and potentially a longer round as players navigate challenging holes.
Mistake to avoid: Underestimating the impact of a close contest. A runaway leader will finish faster than a multi-way dogfight.

5. Action: Follow major sports news outlets and golf-specific websites.

What to look for: Quick updates and breaking news regarding any significant delays, changes in pace of play, or revised projected finish times. They often have reporters on-site or are quick to pick up official announcements.
Mistake to avoid: Relying on just one source for information. Cross-referencing with a couple of reputable outlets ensures you’re getting the most accurate picture.

6. Action: Check social media for official Masters accounts and trusted golf journalists.

What to look for: Live tweets from the course or official updates from the Masters social media channels. Sometimes, you get real-time info faster here than anywhere else.
Mistake to avoid: Getting lost in fan speculation. Stick to official or verified sources for your updates.

Common Mistakes in Estimating Masters Final Round End Time

• Mistake: Assuming the final round will always finish within a specific, consistent window every year.

Why it matters: The Masters is a dynamic event. Factors like the weather on any given Sunday, the strength and competitiveness of the field, the specific pin placements, and even the pace of play among the leaders can all significantly influence how long the round takes to complete. What happened last year might not happen this year.
Fix: Always treat the finish time as an estimate and actively seek out real-time updates for the current year’s tournament. Don’t rely on past experiences alone.

• Mistake: Forgetting about or downplaying the impact of potential weather delays.

Why it matters: Augusta National is no stranger to weather disruptions. Heavy rain, lightning, or high winds can lead to suspensions of play that can last for hours, pushing the finish time back considerably. In extreme cases, play might even be carried over to Monday, though this is rare.
Fix: Make a habit of checking the weather forecast for Augusta, Georgia, throughout Sunday. If storms are brewing, be prepared for potential delays and adjust your viewing schedule accordingly.

• Mistake: Underestimating the effect of a closely contested leaderboard on the pace of play and overall duration.

Why it matters: When multiple players are bunched up at the top, especially on the back nine, the pressure mounts. This can lead to more deliberate shots, more frequent consultations with caddies, and a generally slower pace of play. A tight race means more drama, but it also means the final holes will likely take longer to complete.
Fix: Pay attention to how many players are within a few strokes of the lead as the tournament heads into its final stretch. A tight leaderboard is a strong indicator that the conclusion might be on the later side of the estimated window.

• Mistake: Relying solely on the initial broadcast schedule provided before the tournament begins.

Why it matters: These schedules are preliminary estimates. They don’t account for the unpredictable nature of golf, such as slow play, unexpected weather, or the sheer drama of a leaderboard that stays bunched. The actual finish time is almost always influenced by real-time events.
Fix: Actively seek out updates from official Masters sources, live television coverage, and reputable sports news outlets throughout Sunday afternoon. These sources will provide the most current projected finish times.

• Mistake: Not factoring in the possibility of a playoff.

Why it matters: If two or more players are tied after 72 holes, they enter a sudden-death playoff to determine the champion. Playoffs, especially if they extend beyond the first extra hole, can add significant time to the tournament’s conclusion.
Fix: Understand that a playoff is always a possibility, especially in a major championship like the Masters where competition is fierce. If the leaders are tied heading into the final holes, be prepared for a potential playoff that will extend the broadcast and the end time.

• Mistake: Assuming the pace of play will be consistent throughout the day.

Why it matters: The pace of play can vary significantly. Early starters might play at a quicker clip, but as the pressure mounts on the leaders and the course conditions change, play can slow down considerably. Also, TV networks might strategically use commercial breaks, making it seem like play is slower than it is.
Fix: Pay attention to the actual on-course action. If groups are waiting on the tee or it’s taking a long time for players to hit their shots, the round is likely to run longer.

FAQ

• What is the typical start time for the final round of the Masters?

The final round at Augusta National typically begins early on Sunday morning, with the first tee times usually starting around 9:00 AM ET. However, the players who are in contention for the lead will tee off much later in the day, usually in the afternoon.

• How do weather delays usually affect the Masters final round end time?

Weather delays are the biggest variable. If there’s rain, lightning, or high winds, play can be suspended for several hours. This will push the finish time back significantly. In rare, severe cases, play might even be pushed to Monday morning to complete the final holes.

• Will the Masters final round be broadcast live?

Absolutely. The final round of the Masters is a premier sporting event and is broadcast live on CBS in the United States. Coverage usually begins in the early afternoon, building towards the exciting conclusion.

• What happens if the Masters ends in a tie?

If the tournament is tied after all 72 holes are completed, a sudden-death playoff will commence. Typically, this involves playing the 18th hole, and if still tied, moving to the 10th hole. This playoff structure means the end time will be extended until a single champion is determined.

• Where can I find the most accurate estimated end time on Sunday?

For the most reliable and up-to-the-minute estimated end time, your best bet is to check the official Masters Tournament website (Masters.com) or follow live updates from major sports news networks like ESPN or CBS Sports during the broadcast. They’ll be providing real-time commentary and updates.

• How does the strength of the field influence the finish time?

A field with many highly skilled players clustered near the top of the leaderboard can lead to a more tightly contested and potentially longer final round. When players are battling for position and the lead, they might play more deliberately, and the competition itself can extend the drama.

• Can the Masters finish before the estimated time?

Yes, it’s possible, though less common for the final round to finish significantly earlier than the typical window. This usually happens if there’s a clear runaway leader who finishes their round quickly, or if weather conditions are exceptionally favorable and play moves at a brisk pace with no significant delays or playoff scenarios. However, the 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM ET window is a good general guideline for when the Green Jacket is usually awarded.