The Masters TV Channel: Where To Watch The Golf Major
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Quick Answer
- Catch The Masters on ESPN for the early rounds and CBS for the weekend action in the U.S.
- ESPN typically airs Thursday and Friday coverage.
- CBS broadcasts Saturday and Sunday, including the final trophy presentation.
Who This Is For
- Golf enthusiasts looking to follow the iconic Masters Tournament from start to finish.
- Anyone needing a clear, no-nonsense guide on what TV channel is the Masters on this year.
What TV Channel is the Masters On: A Detailed Look
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You want to watch the azaleas bloom and the leaders battle it out at Augusta National. Knowing where to tune in is half the battle. It’s a pretty straightforward setup, but you gotta be dialed in.
- Verify your TV package. This is step one, folks. Make sure your cable or satellite subscription actually includes both ESPN and your local CBS affiliate. If it’s not in your bundle, you’re out of luck for that channel. I learned that the hard way trying to catch a playoff game once.
- Hit the official Masters website. Seriously, this is your best bet for the most accurate, up-to-the-minute broadcast schedule. Don’t trust some random forum post from last year. Things change.
- Pinpoint the start times. The Masters doesn’t just magically appear on your screen. Each day has specific broadcast windows. Know ‘em, or you’ll be scrambling. I usually set a reminder on my phone.
Make sure your cable or satellite subscription actually includes both ESPN and your local CBS affiliate. If it’s not in your bundle, you’re out of luck for that channel.
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Step-by-Step Plan to Watch The Masters on the Right Channel
Here’s your action plan to ensure you’re glued to the right channel when the first tee shot flies.
1. Action: Identify your primary TV provider.
What to look for: Your cable bill, your online account login, or even just what box is hooked up to your TV.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming you have the channels because you have a TV package. Not all packages are created equal, man.
2. Action: Consult your TV provider’s channel lineup or guide.
What to look for: The specific channel numbers for ESPN and your local CBS affiliate. Write them down if you have to.
Mistake to avoid: Getting sidetracked by other channels. Stay focused on the goal: Masters coverage.
3. Action: Navigate to the official Masters Tournament website.
What to look for: The official broadcast schedule. This will break down which network is airing which rounds. It’s usually pretty prominent.
Mistake to avoid: Relying on a general sports news site. The official Masters site is the ultimate authority here.
4. Action: If you’re cutting the cord, research live TV streaming services.
What to look for: Services that explicitly carry ESPN and your local CBS station. Platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or DIRECTV STREAM are good places to start. Check their channel lists carefully.
Mistake to avoid: Signing up for a streaming service without confirming it has your local CBS. Some streaming packages only offer national CBS, not your specific local feed, which is what you need for the weekend rounds.
5. Action: Cross-reference the Masters schedule with your provider’s offerings.
What to look for: A match between the official Masters broadcast times/channels and what you can actually access.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming the schedule you found online is automatically available to you. Your provider is the final gatekeeper.
6. Action: Set multiple reminders for yourself.
What to look for: The start times for both ESPN and CBS coverage each day. Consider setting one for 15 minutes before tee time.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking you’ll just “remember” when it starts. Life happens. Reminders are your friend.
7. Action: Check for bonus coverage or alternative viewing options.
What to look for: The Masters website and apps often have extra feeds, like featured groups or Amen Corner coverage, sometimes on ESPN+ or other digital platforms.
Mistake to avoid: Not looking beyond the main broadcast. You might miss out on some sweet, up-close golf action.
Common Mistakes When Following The Masters Broadcast
Don’t let these simple slip-ups keep you from the action at Augusta.
- Mistaking early round channels for weekend channels — You might miss the start of the tournament if you only check for CBS or only check for ESPN. This is a classic blunder. — Always verify the channel for each specific day of coverage. ESPN handles Thursday and Friday, while CBS takes over for Saturday and Sunday.
- Not checking local CBS affiliate availability — Your ability to watch the crucial weekend rounds hinges on your local CBS station being available through your provider. This is especially critical for cord-cutters using streaming services. — Use your TV provider’s channel finder tool, check their online lineup, or contact them directly to confirm they carry your local CBS affiliate.
- Assuming streaming services will automatically include Masters coverage — While many live TV streaming services carry ESPN and CBS, not all packages are created equal. Some might require a specific tier or an add-on to get local channels. — Thoroughly review the channel list for any streaming service before subscribing. Look for confirmation that it includes your specific local CBS station.
- Forgetting about time zone differences — Augusta National is in the Eastern Time Zone. If you’re on the West Coast, for example, the start times will be three hours earlier than what’s listed. — Always double-check the broadcast times for your local time zone. The official Masters website usually provides times in ET, so do the math for your neck of the woods.
- Ignoring the official Masters app or website for digital streams — Sometimes, the most in-depth coverage, like featured groups or specific holes, isn’t on the main broadcast channels. — Explore the Masters’ official digital platforms. They often offer supplementary streams that can enhance your viewing experience, especially if you want to follow specific players or iconic parts of the course.
- Not having a backup plan for technical glitches — Your internet could go down, your cable box might freeze, or the streaming service could buffer endlessly. — Have a secondary viewing option in mind. This might mean having a portable radio handy for commentary, knowing the channel number for your local CBS offhand in case your guide app fails, or having a friend’s login to a different streaming service.
FAQ
- What are the main TV channels broadcasting The Masters?
In the United States, the primary broadcasters are ESPN for the early rounds (Thursday and Friday) and CBS for the weekend rounds (Saturday and Sunday). [1]
- Will The Masters be available to stream online?
Yes, The Masters is typically available to stream online. This often includes streaming the ESPN and CBS broadcasts through services that carry those networks, as well as dedicated streaming options on platforms like Paramount+ (for CBS content) and ESPN+. You can find more detailed information on The Masters Broadcast: Which Channel to Watch.
- Which channel shows the early rounds of The Masters?
ESPN broadcasts the initial rounds of The Masters Tournament, usually covering Thursday and Friday’s play. [2]
- Which channel broadcasts the final rounds of The Masters?
CBS takes over broadcasting duties for the weekend rounds of The Masters, including Saturday and Sunday’s play, culminating in the trophy presentation. [3]
- Can I watch The Masters without cable?
Absolutely. You can watch The Masters without a traditional cable subscription by using live TV streaming services that include ESPN and your local CBS affiliate. Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and DIRECTV STREAM are common options. [4]
- Where can I find the most accurate TV schedule for The Masters?
The most reliable source for the official broadcast schedule is the Masters Tournament’s official website, Masters.com. They will have the most up-to-date information on channels and start times.
- Does ESPN+ stream The Masters?
ESPN+ often provides supplementary coverage, such as featured groups or specific holes like Amen Corner, but it typically does not carry the full live broadcast of the main rounds which are on ESPN and CBS. Always check the specific offerings for the current year.
Sources:
- The Masters Broadcast: Which Channel to Watch
- Where to Watch The Masters Tournament On TV
- The Masters Golf: TV Channel Guide
- Watch The Masters: Channel Guide
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.