The Masters Tournament Start Times and Schedule

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Quick Answer: What Time Does The Masters Start?

• The official competition rounds of The Masters Tournament typically tee off around 8:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) on Thursday and Friday.
• Weekend play on Saturday and Sunday generally begins a bit later, usually around 9:00 AM ET, to accommodate featured groups and broadcast schedules.
• Precise start times for individual groups and television coverage are released closer to the tournament date and can be subject to change.

Who This Masters Schedule is For

• The Dedicated Fan: If you’re planning to catch every single shot on TV or streaming, you need to know when the action kicks off each day. Missing the opening drive is a major bummer.
• The On-Site Attendee: Heading to Augusta National itself? You’ll want to time your arrival to catch your favorite players or stake out a prime viewing spot before the crowds descend.
• The Strategic Player: Whether you’re in a fantasy golf league or placing a few friendly wagers, knowing the exact tee times is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your chances.

What Time Does The Masters Start: First Checks

• Hit the Official Source: Your first and best stop is the official Masters Tournament website (Masters.com). This is where you’ll find the most accurate and up-to-date schedule information for the current year. Don’t rely on hearsay or old notes.
• Broadcast Schedule Check: Verify the start times with your specific television provider or streaming service. While they generally align with the official schedule, different networks might have slightly varied broadcast windows or pre-game shows.
• Time Zone Translation: Augusta, Georgia, observes Eastern Time (ET). If you’re anywhere else in the US or the world, you absolutely must convert these times to your local zone. A little math here saves you from missing the whole darn thing. I learned that the hard way once, trying to catch an early round from the West Coast. Thought it started at 8 AM my time. Nope. 11 AM. Missed the first three groups. Ugh.
• Stay Alert for Updates: Augusta National is known for its meticulous planning, but sometimes, especially with weather forecasts, minor adjustments can be made closer to the tournament. Keep an eye on official announcements.

Step-by-Step Masters Schedule Plan

• Action: Navigate to the official Masters Tournament website (Masters.com).
• What to look for: Specifically, seek out the “Tournament Schedule” or “Tee Times” section for the current year. This is the definitive source for when the action officially begins.
• Mistake to avoid: Don’t just type “Masters schedule” into a search engine and click the first link. You might land on outdated information from a previous year. Always confirm it’s for this year’s event.
• Action: Locate the daily schedule for Thursday through Sunday.
• What to look for: Pay close attention to the designated start times for the first official groups each day, noting the “ET” (Eastern Time) designation. Also, identify the start of the main television broadcast window.
• Mistake to avoid: Confusing the times for the Par 3 Contest (usually held on Wednesday) or practice rounds with the actual tournament competition. The Par 3 is fun to watch, but it’s not where the green jackets are won.
• Action: Cross-reference with your TV or streaming provider’s listings.
• What to look for: Confirm that your chosen broadcast channel or streaming service aligns with the official Masters schedule. Some services might offer different feeds, like featured groups or specific holes, so check those details too.
• Mistake to avoid: Assuming your cable guide or streaming app has the exact same start times as the official Masters schedule. A quick cross-check prevents surprises.
• Action: Accurately calculate for your local time zone.
• What to look for: Determine the difference between Eastern Time (ET) and your local time zone. For example, if you’re in the Central Time Zone, subtract one hour. Mountain Time subtracts two, and Pacific Time subtracts three.
• Mistake to avoid: Making a quick guess at the time difference. It’s easy to be off by an hour, which can mean missing crucial early-round play or the start of the broadcast.
• Action: Bookmark or set multiple reminders for key times.
• What to look for: Set reminders for the very first official tee shot of the day and the start of the primary television broadcast window for each of the four tournament days.
• Mistake to avoid: Relying solely on your memory. With busy lives, it’s easy to get distracted. A digital reminder is your best friend for ensuring you don’t miss the opening moments.
• Action: Check for any last-minute schedule adjustments.
• What to look for: Monitor the official Masters website and reputable golf news outlets in the days leading up to and during the tournament for any announcements regarding weather delays or other schedule changes.
• Mistake to avoid: Tuning in at the originally planned time only to find play has been delayed due to weather. Staying informed is key to adapting.

Understanding The Masters Tournament Start Times

The Masters Tournament is a unique beast in the golf world. Unlike some other majors, its schedule is deeply ingrained in tradition, and the start times are carefully managed to create a specific viewing experience. The early morning starts on Thursday and Friday are designed to allow for maximum coverage of the entire field as they navigate the challenging Augusta National course. This allows broadcasters to showcase players making their way through Amen Corner in the early light, often when the course conditions are pristine.

The shift to slightly later start times on Saturday and Sunday is a deliberate choice. As the tournament progresses into the weekend and the pressure mounts, the focus shifts to the leading contenders. Later tee times ensure that the players who have battled their way into contention are the ones being prominently featured during prime broadcast hours. This creates a more dramatic narrative for the final rounds, building anticipation as the leaders head out. It’s all part of the theater of the Masters, designed to build excitement and showcase the drama of championship golf.

Common Mistakes in Masters Scheduling

• Mistake: Relying on outdated information from previous years.
• Why it matters: The Masters schedule, while generally consistent in its structure, can have slight variations year to year, especially concerning the exact first tee time or broadcast start. Using old data can lead to missing crucial early play or tuning in hours too early.
• Fix: Always, always, always verify the schedule on the official Masters Tournament website (Masters.com) for the current year. Treat it as gospel.
• Mistake: Confusing practice rounds or the Par 3 Contest with official competition rounds.
• Why it matters: The Par 3 Contest on Wednesday is a beloved tradition, and practice rounds are great for players to get a feel for the course. However, they are not part of the official tournament score. You’ll be watching players goofing off or working on their game, not battling for the green jacket.
• Fix: Clearly distinguish between the practice days, the Par 3 Contest, and the official Thursday-Sunday tournament rounds. Look for the “Official Tournament” schedule.
• Mistake: Ignoring time zone differences.
• Why it matters: This is a classic blunder. Augusta is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). If you’re in the Central, Mountain, or Pacific time zones, or even overseas, you need to do the conversion. Failing to do so means you’ll either be waiting around for hours or miss the entire opening of play.
• Fix: Make a note of the ET to your local time zone conversion and keep it handy. A simple chart or a quick search can save you a lot of frustration.
• Mistake: Not checking for broadcast-specific start times.
• Why it matters: While the official tee times dictate when players go off, television networks might start their coverage slightly before or after the first group tees off. They might also have different start times for different broadcast feeds (e.g., main feed vs. featured group feed).
• Fix: Check the schedule provided by your specific TV network or streaming service to know exactly when their broadcast begins.
• Mistake: Assuming the Par 3 Contest start time is the same as the tournament start time.
• Why it matters: The Par 3 Contest is a separate event held on Wednesday. Its start time is different from the official tournament rounds that begin on Thursday.
• Fix: Look for the specific schedule for the Par 3 Contest if you plan to watch it, and remember it precedes the main event.
• Mistake: Forgetting about potential weather delays.
• Why it matters: Augusta National can experience thunderstorms, particularly in April. These can lead to significant delays, suspended play, or altered schedules.
• Fix: Stay informed by checking the official Masters website or reputable golf news sources for any weather-related updates on tee times or play status.

FAQ

• What is the earliest tee time for The Masters Tournament on Thursday?

The first official tee time on Thursday is typically around 8:00 AM Eastern Time (ET). This can vary slightly year by year, so always check the official schedule.

• When does the Masters broadcast typically begin each day?

Broadcast coverage usually commences around 8:00 AM ET on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the broadcast often starts a bit later, typically around 9:00 AM ET, to focus on the players contending for the lead. Specific times are confirmed annually.

• Are the start times for The Masters the same every year?

While the general structure remains consistent – early morning starts for the first two days and slightly later starts for the weekend – the exact tee times for specific groups and the precise broadcast start times can vary slightly each year due to factors like field size, player pairings, and broadcast planning.

• Do The Masters tee times change due to weather?

Yes, severe weather, such as thunderstorms, can cause delays or adjustments to the tee times to ensure player safety and the integrity of the competition. Play may be suspended and resumed later.

• What is the schedule for the Par 3 Contest?

The Par 3 Contest is traditionally held on the Wednesday preceding the official start of the tournament. Its specific start time is announced annually, but it typically takes place in the afternoon.

• How are tee times determined for the early rounds of The Masters?

Tee times for the first two rounds are usually determined by grouping players based on their performance in previous years, sponsor exemptions, and qualifying criteria. The goal is to pair players who are likely to draw significant fan interest and to ensure a balanced spread of competitors across the course.

• Where can I find the most accurate Masters tee times?

The absolute best and most reliable source for Masters tee times is the official Masters Tournament website, Masters.com. This site will have the most up-to-date information directly from Augusta National Golf Club.