ESPN is delivering a record 140 hours of live Masters coverage across its platforms in 2026 — the most comprehensive broadcast of any single golf tournament in television history. From featured group coverage beginning Monday through the final putt on Sunday, the network’s wall-to-wall approach gives fans unprecedented access to every dimension of Masters week at Augusta National.
The expanded coverage represents a significant evolution in how major championship golf is consumed, blending traditional broadcast excellence with streaming-first features that cater to a new generation of golf fans.
How the Coverage Breaks Down
ESPN’s 140-hour commitment spans the entire Masters week, beginning with practice round coverage on Monday and extending through the Sunday ceremony. The centerpiece remains the Thursday-Sunday competition rounds, but the surrounding programming has expanded dramatically.
Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest, traditionally a lighthearted warmup, receives two hours of exclusive coverage on the ESPN App and Disney+ beginning at noon, followed by two additional hours on ESPN’s main channel at 2 p.m. The broadcast is hosted by Scott Van Pelt and Marty Smith, with former NFL star Jason Kelce serving as on-course reporter — a casting choice that has generated both excitement and debate among golf traditionalists.
Competition round coverage runs from early morning through prime time, with Featured Group and Featured Hole streams available on the ESPN App and Masters.com throughout the day. The traditional CBS broadcast window covers afternoon play on Saturday and Sunday, while ESPN handles the remaining tournament coverage. Amazon Prime Video also carries select windows, creating a multi-platform viewing experience.
What Makes 2026 Coverage Different
Several innovations distinguish the 2026 Masters broadcast. ESPN’s Featured Group streams now include shot-tracking overlays that display real-time strokes gained data, allowing viewers to see precisely how each shot compares to the field average. This data layer transforms the viewing experience from passive entertainment into an analytical tool — viewers can watch Scottie Scheffler navigate Amen Corner while simultaneously understanding exactly how his performance compares to the rest of the field.
The Featured Hole streams have also evolved. Rather than simply showing a fixed camera angle of iconic holes like the par-3 12th, the 2026 coverage incorporates multiple camera angles, embedded course microphones that capture the natural sounds of Augusta, and commentary focused specifically on course management strategy. For amateur golfers seeking to learn from the world’s best, these streams offer unparalleled insight into how professionals approach Augusta’s most demanding holes.
The Kelce Factor
Jason Kelce’s role as Par 3 Contest reporter has generated the most discussion. The retired Philadelphia Eagles center, who joined ESPN as an analyst following his NFL retirement, impressed network executives during a TGL appearance earlier this year. His combination of genuine enthusiasm for golf, natural charisma, and comfort on camera made him a compelling choice for the relaxed, family-friendly Par 3 Contest atmosphere.
Critics argue that inserting a football personality into golf’s most prestigious event dilutes the tournament’s traditions. Supporters counter that Kelce’s presence will attract viewers who might not otherwise tune into Wednesday’s coverage, introducing new audiences to the Masters and the broader sport. Both perspectives have merit, and Kelce’s performance on April 8 will likely determine whether the experiment is repeated in future years.
How to Get the Most From Your Viewing
For golf fans wanting to maximize their Masters viewing experience, the multi-platform approach requires some planning. The ESPN App and Disney+ offer the earliest and most comprehensive coverage, including practice round footage and Featured Group streams that begin before the main broadcast windows. The traditional ESPN and CBS broadcasts provide the most polished production quality, with expert commentary and cinematic course coverage that has defined Masters broadcasts for decades.
Viewers tracking specific players should note the published tee times and pairings to identify when their preferred Featured Groups will be on course. With defending champion Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and 22 Masters rookies in the field, there is no shortage of compelling storylines to follow across 140 hours of coverage.
The 90th Masters Tournament begins Thursday, April 10, and if the record-setting broadcast plan is any indication, this could be the most watched — and most accessible — Masters in history.
