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Masters Tournament Coverage: Start Times and Viewing Guide

ByThe Golfer

← Major Golf Events & Tournaments | Tickets & Event Information


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Quick Answer

  • Masters Tournament coverage usually kicks off bright and early, often around 8:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) for the early rounds.
  • Don’t forget, practice rounds and special events can have their own unique start times.
  • Always double-check the official Masters website or your TV guide for the most accurate daily schedule.

Who This Is For

  • Golf fans who want to catch every moment of the Masters, from the first tee shot to the final putt on Sunday.
  • Anyone looking to sync up their viewing schedule with the action at Augusta National, ensuring they don’t miss a single iconic approach or dramatic chip.

What to Check First

  • Official Masters Tournament Website: This is your golden ticket for the most current and accurate schedule. They’ll have the definitive word on when coverage begins each day.
  • TV Provider/Streaming Service Guide: Confirm broadcast times specific to your subscription. Sometimes there are different channels for different parts of the coverage.
  • Practice Round Schedules: These often start earlier than the main tournament rounds and offer a great look at the course and players getting ready.
  • Featured Group Coverage: These specific pairings sometimes have their own broadcast windows, often starting a bit before the main telecast. You don’t want to miss your favorite players.
  • Your Local Time Zone: Augusta National plays in Eastern Time (ET). You’ll need to know how that translates to wherever you are.

Step-by-Step Plan for Masters Tournament Viewing

1. Action: Hit the official Masters Tournament website.

What to look for: Navigate to the “Schedule” or “TV Schedule” section. This is where you’ll find the official rundown for every day of the tournament. It’s the most reliable source, plain and simple.
Mistake to avoid: Don’t just skim; rely on unofficial sources like social media posts or random sports blogs that might be outdated. Stick to the official word from Augusta National.

2. Action: Note the Eastern Time (ET) start for each day.

What to look for: The broadcast times listed in ET. This is the standard for Augusta National, and all official schedules will be based on it. Pay attention to the specific start times for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming this is your local time. This is a common pitfall. You’ll be watching at the wrong time, or worse, missing the beginning of play entirely if you don’t adjust for your time zone.

3. Action: Convert to your local time zone.

What to look for: Use a reliable time zone converter online or simply check your phone’s clock settings. Figure out what those ET start times mean for your specific location. For example, if you’re on Pacific Time, you’ll need to subtract three hours.
Mistake to avoid: Guessing. It’s easy to get this wrong, especially if you’re tired or distracted. Double-checking is always the smart play to ensure you’re tuned in at the right moment.

4. Action: Check for practice round or featured group coverage.

What to look for: Separate listings for these events. They might be on different channels (like ESPN for early rounds or practice) or start significantly earlier than the main CBS broadcast. These often provide a more relaxed view of the course and player preparations.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking the main broadcast time applies to everything. Those early birds who tune into practice or featured groups get the worm, or in this case, the best view of players fine-tuning their game on the hallowed grounds.

5. Action: Identify which networks are broadcasting.

What to look for: Know whether you need CBS, ESPN, or a streaming service like Paramount+ or Masters.com. Each might carry different parts of the coverage throughout the week.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming all coverage is on one channel. You might be flipping channels frantically when you should be watching.

6. Action: Set reminders for yourself.

What to look for: Alarms on your phone, calendar notifications, or even a sticky note on your TV. Don’t let the excitement of the Masters get the better of your memory.
Mistake to avoid: Winging it. Life happens, and a timely reminder is your best bet to stay on track and not miss those crucial opening shots or dramatic moments. I’ve definitely missed the start of a big game before because I forgot to set a reminder. It stinks.

Understanding Masters Viewing Times

Knowing what time does Masters coverage start is absolutely key to enjoying the tournament without missing any of the iconic moments that define Augusta National. The Masters schedule is a bit of a dance, with different windows for practice rounds, featured groups, and the main broadcast telecasts. It’s not just a simple “start at 10 AM and go till 6 PM.” The Masters Coverage Start Time: When to Tune In guide is a solid resource for getting a handle on this intricate timing [1].

The tournament typically begins on Thursday, and coverage often starts around 8:00 AM ET on that first day, sometimes even earlier for practice rounds or specific digital streams. Friday follows a similar pattern. Then, as the weekend arrives and the pressure mounts, the start times for the main broadcast might shift slightly, often aiming to capture the crucial afternoon play. Saturday and Sunday coverage can sometimes begin as early as 9:00 AM ET or 10:00 AM ET, depending on the broadcast partner and what they aim to showcase. It’s this attention to detail that separates a casual viewer from a true fan who understands the rhythm of the tournament.

Beyond the main broadcast, Augusta National is famous for its “digital channels” and featured group coverage. These often begin much earlier, sometimes as early as 7:30 AM ET or even earlier for practice rounds. This is where you can watch players like Rory McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler work through their final preparations, offering a more intimate look at their game. Missing these early starts means missing a crucial part of the Masters experience, especially if you’re interested in the nuances of course management and player strategy before the main event.

When Does Masters Coverage Begin Each Day?

Understanding precisely what time does Masters coverage start is critical for any golf fan aiming to catch the action from Augusta National. The tournament schedule is meticulously planned, and while there are general guidelines, specific start times can vary slightly year to year and even day to day.

For the main tournament days (Thursday through Sunday), you can generally expect broadcast coverage to begin in the morning. Traditionally, the early rounds on Thursday and Friday often see broadcast partners like CBS and ESPN (which sometimes carries the early portion) kicking off around 8:00 AM Eastern Time (ET). This allows viewers to catch the initial tee shots, early birdies, and how the course is playing under the first wave of competitors.

As the tournament progresses into the weekend, the focus shifts to contention and potential leaders. Saturday and Sunday coverage often begins a bit later, typically around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM ET. This timing is designed to build anticipation and bring viewers into the heart of the action as players navigate the challenging back nine and jockey for position on the leaderboard.

However, it’s crucial to remember that these are just general times. Practice rounds, which take place in the days leading up to Thursday, will have their own schedules and often start even earlier. Furthermore, many networks offer “featured group” coverage, which might begin earlier than the main telecast and focus on a select few high-profile pairings or players making their charge. Digital streaming options through Masters.com and the official apps also often provide earlier access and wider coverage windows, sometimes starting as early as 7:30 AM ET.

The best practice for any viewer is to always consult the official Masters Tournament website or your local television provider’s schedule closer to the event. This ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific viewing needs and time zone.

Common Mistakes

  • Mistaking practice round start times for tournament round start times — This can lead to missing the beginning of competitive play, especially if you tune in expecting the main broadcast when only practice is on. — Always verify the specific day’s schedule for tournament rounds versus practice rounds.
  • Not converting Eastern Time (ET) to local time — This is a classic blunder that leads to viewing at the wrong time, whether you’re too early or too late. — Use an online time zone converter or check your device’s clock settings carefully before settling in to watch.
  • Relying solely on generic sports news headlines — These sources may provide outdated or inaccurate start times, especially if they’re not updated in real-time. — Always cross-reference with the official Masters website or your broadcast provider’s schedule for the most reliable information.
  • Forgetting about international broadcasts — If you’re outside the US, broadcast times will differ significantly due to time zone differences and local broadcasting rights. — Check local listings for your region well in advance.
  • Assuming all coverage is on one channel — The Masters is often spread across multiple networks (e.g., ESPN, CBS) and digital platforms. — Familiarize yourself with where each part of the coverage will be aired or streamed.
  • Ignoring practice round details — While not competitive, practice rounds offer a great look at the course conditions and how players are preparing. Missing them means missing a valuable part of the Masters experience. — Check the schedule for practice round start times and any associated digital coverage.
  • Not accounting for potential delays — Weather can always be a factor at Augusta. — Keep an eye on official updates for any schedule changes due to rain or storms.

FAQ

  • What time does the Masters Tournament typically begin each day?

Coverage usually starts around 8:00 AM ET on Thursday and Friday for the early rounds. Saturday and Sunday coverage often begins between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM ET, depending on the broadcast partner and what they aim to showcase.

  • Are the start times for the Masters the same every day of the tournament?

No, start times can vary slightly. Practice rounds have their own schedules, and weekend main broadcast times can differ from weekday times. Always check the official schedule for each specific day.

  • How do I find the Masters broadcast schedule in my local time zone?

The official Masters website is the best source. It will list times in ET, and you can then easily convert them to your local time using online tools or your device’s clock. Many TV provider guides also offer local time listings.

  • Does the Masters have early morning coverage?

Yes, very early. Practice rounds and featured groups often begin well before the main broadcast window opens, sometimes as early as 7:30 AM ET, particularly on digital platforms.

  • Where can I watch the Masters?

Coverage is typically broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. ESPN often carries early coverage on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, the Masters’ official website and app provide extensive digital streaming options, including featured groups and Amen Corner.

  • What are “featured groups” at the Masters?

Featured groups are specific pairings of players that the broadcast will focus on for a portion of their round, often highlighting top contenders or interesting matchups. This coverage usually starts earlier than the main telecast.

  • Can I watch the Masters on my phone?

Absolutely. The official Masters app and streaming services like Paramount+ allow you to watch live coverage directly on your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to catch the action on the go.

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