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Where to Watch The Masters Tournament

ByThe Golfer

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Quick Answer

  • The Masters Tournament airs primarily on ESPN and CBS in the United States.
  • You can stream the action online via various live TV streaming services and the official Masters website.
  • Always verify local listings for exact broadcast times and channel information.

Who is Watching The Masters Tournament?

  • Dedicated golf fans eager to follow the world’s best players tackle Augusta National.
  • Casual sports enthusiasts looking for a major event steeped in tradition and prestige.
  • Anyone interested in witnessing a quintessential sporting spectacle that captivates millions each year.

What to Check First for Masters Tournament Viewing

  • Your Cable/Satellite Lineup: Confirm that both ESPN and CBS are included in your subscription package. You don’t want to get halfway through a round and realize you’re missing it.
  • Internet Stability: If you plan to stream, ensure your Wi-Fi or wired connection is robust. Spotty internet can ruin the experience faster than a shanked drive.
  • Official Masters Website (Masters.com): This is your go-to for the definitive broadcast schedule, streaming details, and any official app information. Don’t rely on hearsay.
  • Time Zone Alignment: Augusta, Georgia, operates on Eastern Time. Make sure you know what time the coverage starts in your local time zone so you don’t miss a single swing. I’ve definitely rolled out of bed too late before.
  • Streaming Service Channels: If you’re cutting the cord, verify that your chosen streaming service (like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or fuboTV) explicitly carries both ESPN and CBS.

Step-by-Step Plan for Watching The Masters Tournament

1. Identify Primary Broadcast Channels.

  • Action: Locate ESPN and CBS in your TV guide.
  • What to look for: These are the exclusive broadcast partners for The Masters in the U.S. ESPN typically handles the early rounds (Thursday, Friday), while CBS takes over for the weekend (Saturday, Sunday).
  • Mistake: Assuming the entire tournament airs on a single network. It’s a common setup for major golf events, but you still need to know who’s showing what, and when.

2. Explore Streaming Service Options.

  • Action: Research live TV streaming services that include ESPN and CBS.
  • What to look for: Services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV (with the appropriate add-ons), and fuboTV are generally good bets. Check their channel lineups specifically for ESPN and CBS.
  • Mistake: Subscribing to a streaming service without confirming it actually carries both required networks. Some basic plans might omit one or the other, leaving you high and dry.

3. Visit the Official Masters Website.

  • Action: Navigate to Masters.com.
  • What to look for: The “Tickets & Broadcast” section or similar will have the most accurate and up-to-date information on broadcast times, streaming links, and any exclusive online content. This is your single source of truth.
  • Mistake: Relying on unofficial social media posts or outdated articles for broadcast details. The official site is always the most reliable.

4. Check for Official App Access and Features.

  • Action: Download The Masters official mobile app.
  • What to look for: The app often provides live streams of featured groups, specific holes (like Amen Corner), and the Par 3 Contest. It’s a fantastic companion to the main broadcast.
  • Mistake: Overlooking the official app, thereby missing out on a wealth of additional, often free, coverage.

5. Understand Practice Round and Par 3 Contest Coverage.

  • Action: Consult the schedule for coverage of practice rounds and the Wednesday Par 3 Contest.
  • What to look for: ESPN usually provides coverage for these events, offering a relaxed preview of the week’s action. It’s a great way to get a feel for the course and the players’ moods before the pressure cooker of the tournament proper.
  • Mistake: Focusing only on the main tournament days and missing the fun and tradition of the practice rounds and the Par 3 Contest.

6. Verify Your Viewing Platform’s Schedule.

  • Action: Cross-reference the official Masters schedule with your chosen TV provider or streaming service’s guide.
  • What to look for: Ensure the times listed on Masters.com align with what your TV or streaming app shows. Minor variations can occur due to local programming or network adjustments.
  • Mistake: Assuming your provider’s guide is perfectly synced with the official tournament broadcast times without checking.

Where to Watch The Masters Tournament Broadcast

When it comes to catching the iconic azaleas and dramatic putts of The Masters, knowing exactly what channels and platforms are broadcasting the event is crucial. The primary broadcast partners in the United States are ESPN and CBS [1]. This partnership ensures broad accessibility for golf fans across the country. ESPN typically airs the opening rounds of the tournament, providing comprehensive coverage as the field navigates the challenging Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday and Friday. As the tournament progresses into the weekend, CBS takes over, broadcasting the pivotal Saturday and Sunday rounds. This handover is a long-standing tradition, with CBS renowned for its high-quality production and in-depth analysis of the final contenders vying for the green jacket.

Beyond traditional television, the digital age has opened up numerous avenues for streaming The Masters live. For cord-cutters, live TV streaming services are the key. Platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Sling TV (often requiring specific channel packages or add-ons) generally carry both ESPN and CBS, allowing you to watch the tournament on your smart TV, computer, or mobile device. It’s vital to check the specific channel lineup of any streaming service before subscribing to ensure it includes both networks. This flexibility means you can follow the action from anywhere with a stable internet connection. For those who want the most official and often enhanced viewing experience, the official Masters website (Masters.com) and the dedicated Masters Tournament app are invaluable resources. They frequently offer live streams of featured groups, specific holes like the iconic Amen Corner, and bonus content not available on linear television.

Where to Watch The Masters Tournament Live

Following The Masters live means being prepared for its unique broadcast schedule and available viewing options. The tournament is a premier event, and its broadcast rights are held by two major networks in the U.S.: ESPN and CBS [2]. ESPN typically kicks off the coverage, bringing viewers the action from Thursday through Friday. This allows fans to witness the initial rounds as players set their scores and navigate the course under less intense pressure than the weekend. Many viewers find this early coverage essential for understanding the tournament’s narrative and identifying early frontrunners.

As the weekend arrives, CBS takes the reins, broadcasting the crucial Saturday and Sunday rounds. This is when the drama typically intensifies, with the leaderboard often tightening and players facing significant pressure on the back nine. CBS is known for its extensive coverage, featuring expert commentary, historical context, and stunning visuals of Augusta National. For those who prefer to stream, several live TV streaming services offer access to both ESPN and CBS. Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and fuboTV are popular choices, as they provide a package that includes these broadcast channels. It’s always a good practice to verify the channel lineup of any streaming service before committing to a subscription. Furthermore, the official Masters Tournament website, Masters.com, and its associated mobile app are excellent resources for live streaming, often providing access to featured groups, specific holes, and even the Par 3 Contest, which is a beloved tradition held on the Wednesday before the tournament begins.

Common Mistakes in Watching The Masters Tournament

  • Mistake: Only checking one broadcast channel (ESPN or CBS).
  • Why it matters: The Masters coverage splits between ESPN (early rounds) and CBS (weekend rounds). Missing this detail means you might tune into the wrong network on the wrong day.
  • Fix: Confirm both ESPN and CBS schedules for the days you want to watch. Bookmark Masters.com for the official breakdown.
  • Mistake: Forgetting about time zone differences.
  • Why it matters: Augusta National is in the Eastern Time Zone. If you’re on the West Coast, coverage starts much earlier than you might expect, and you could easily miss the opening tee shots.
  • Fix: Always verify the start times for your specific local time zone. A quick search or checking the official schedule will save you from tuning in late.
  • Mistake: Assuming all streaming services carry both ESPN and CBS.
  • Why it matters: Not every live TV streaming service includes both networks in their basic packages. You could sign up for a service only to find out you’re missing one of the essential channels.
  • Fix: Carefully review the channel lineup of any streaming service before subscribing. Look for services that explicitly list both ESPN and CBS.
  • Mistake: Not checking the Masters.com schedule for practice rounds or the Par 3 Contest.
  • Why it matters: These events offer a different, often more relaxed, perspective on the tournament week. The Par 3 Contest, in particular, is a fun tradition that many fans don’t want to miss.
  • Fix: Consult the official Masters.com schedule for coverage details of practice rounds and the Par 3 Contest, usually held on Wednesday.
  • Mistake: Relying solely on third-party sports apps for broadcast information.
  • Why it matters: While many sports apps provide schedules, they can sometimes be inaccurate or outdated. The official source is always the most reliable.
  • Fix: Always cross-reference information with the official Masters website (Masters.com) to ensure you have the most accurate broadcast times and channel details.
  • Mistake: Not utilizing the official Masters app.
  • Why it matters: The app often provides live streams of featured groups, specific holes, and bonus content that isn’t shown on the main TV broadcasts. It’s a treasure trove of extra viewing.
  • Fix: Download The Masters official app well before the tournament starts and explore its features.

FAQ

  • What are the main TV channels that broadcast The Masters?

In the United States, The Masters Tournament is primarily broadcast on ESPN and CBS. ESPN covers the early rounds (Thursday and Friday), while CBS broadcasts the weekend action (Saturday and Sunday).

  • Can I stream The Masters online without a cable subscription?

Yes, you can stream The Masters online without a traditional cable subscription. Many live TV streaming services, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and fuboTV, carry both ESPN and CBS. Additionally, the official Masters website (Masters.com) and its mobile app often provide live streaming options.

  • Where can I find the official broadcast schedule for The Masters?

The most accurate and up-to-date broadcast schedule for The Masters can be found on the tournament‘s official website, Masters.com. They will list specific times for each day’s coverage on both ESPN and CBS, as well as any online streaming schedules.

  • Does The Masters have an official app for streaming?

Yes, The Masters typically has an official mobile app that offers live streaming capabilities. This app often provides coverage of featured groups, specific holes (like Amen Corner), and other exclusive content that complements the main broadcast.

  • When does coverage typically start each day at The Masters?

Daily start times for The Masters vary. Early rounds (Thursday and Friday) often begin in the morning, with coverage typically starting around 1:00 PM ET on ESPN. Weekend coverage (Saturday and Sunday) usually begins in the afternoon, often around 1:00 PM ET on CBS, though specific times can shift slightly year to year. Always check the official Masters schedule for precise times in your local zone.

  • Is the Par 3 Contest broadcast live?

Yes, the Par 3 Contest, which takes place on the Wednesday before the tournament begins, is usually broadcast live. Coverage is often provided by ESPN and can also be streamed through the official Masters website or app. It’s a fun, relaxed event that offers a unique glimpse into the tournament week.

  • What is the difference between ESPN and CBS coverage at The Masters?

The primary difference is the stage of the tournament they cover. ESPN handles the opening rounds, focusing on setting the scene, introducing the field, and capturing the initial movements on the leaderboard. CBS takes over for the weekend, broadcasting the critical rounds where contenders emerge and the pressure mounts, often providing more in-depth analysis of the championship run.

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