The 2026 Masters begins Thursday, April 9 at Augusta National Golf Club, and the broadcast coverage this year is more expansive than ever. Whether you are planning to watch every shot from Amen Corner or just want to catch the weekend drama, here is your complete guide to watching the tournament across every platform available.
With Rory McIlroy defending his title, Scottie Scheffler hunting a third green jacket, and Bryson DeChambeau arriving in career-best form, this is shaping up to be one of the most compelling Masters fields in years.
TV Broadcast Schedule
The Masters TV coverage is split between ESPN and CBS, continuing the arrangement that has been in place for several years. ESPN carries the early rounds, and CBS takes over for the weekend when the tournament reaches its climax.
Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10: ESPN broadcasts the first and second rounds. Coverage typically begins in the early afternoon Eastern time, with featured group coverage starting earlier in the morning via streaming platforms.
Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12: CBS broadcasts the third and final rounds. CBS’s coverage is the traditional home of Masters drama — Butler Cabin, the green jacket ceremony, and Jim Nantz’s signature call have been synonymous with the tournament for decades.
Streaming Options
The Masters offers more streaming coverage than any other major championship, and much of it is free. Masters.com and the official Masters app provide live streaming of featured groups, Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, and 13), and holes 15 and 16 throughout the tournament. This coverage often begins hours before the main TV broadcast and captures shots and moments that never make it to television.
For those who want the full TV broadcast on streaming platforms, the ESPN App carries the first two rounds, while Paramount+ streams the CBS coverage on Saturday and Sunday. Amazon Prime Video also offers coverage, expanding the tournament’s streaming footprint.
DirecTV subscribers have additional access to dedicated Masters coverage channels that provide supplementary angles and commentary throughout the week.
Key Times and Tee Sheets
The Masters traditionally sends its marquee groups off in the late morning and early afternoon on Thursday and Friday, ensuring the biggest names are playing during peak TV hours. Tee times are released by Augusta National earlier in the week, and the pairings for the first two rounds often provide fascinating subplots — past champions grouped together, rivals paired for maximum drama, and first-time participants walking alongside legends.
The cut falls after Friday’s second round, trimming the field for the weekend. Only the top 50 players and ties advance to Saturday and Sunday, ensuring that the final two rounds feature only the competitors who have earned their place through 36 holes of competition on one of golf’s most demanding courses.
What to Watch For This Year
Several storylines make the 2026 Masters appointment viewing. McIlroy’s defense of his first green jacket — and his pursuit of back-to-back victories that would place him alongside Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods — is the headline narrative. Scheffler’s two previous Masters wins make him the clear favorite to spoil McIlroy’s party.
The changes to Augusta’s 17th hole — shortened by 10 yards to 450 yards — add a strategic wrinkle that could affect Sunday’s outcome. And the presence of 10 LIV Golf players in the field, including Jon Rahm and DeChambeau, ensures the ongoing conversation about golf’s fractured landscape will provide a backdrop to the on-course action.
For the three players who could complete career Grand Slams this week, the pressure is immense. A green jacket would etch their names alongside the most exclusive club in golf history.
Pro Tips for Watching
The best Masters viewing experience combines the main TV broadcast with the Masters.com streaming coverage running simultaneously on a second screen. The Amen Corner stream captures the most dramatic stretch of holes in golf, and the action there often unfolds independently of the main broadcast’s focus.
Pay particular attention to the par-5 13th hole and the par-5 15th hole on Sunday afternoon. These are the two holes where eagles and birdies can swing the leaderboard dramatically in the final round, and the risk-reward decisions players make on their approach shots create the tension that defines Masters Sundays.
The weather forecast for Masters week looks favorable — highs in the low-to-mid 70s with overnight lows in the 50s and low precipitation chances. Firm, fast conditions at Augusta tend to produce the most exciting golf, rewarding precise iron play and quality putting over raw power.
Key Takeaways
The 2026 Masters is accessible across more platforms than ever — from free streaming on Masters.com to ESPN, CBS, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and DirecTV. With a field featuring the defending champion, the world number one, and compelling storylines at every turn, this is a tournament that deserves to be watched from first tee shot to final putt. Clear your calendar from Thursday through Sunday. Augusta is calling.
