The 2026 Masters Tournament marks the beginning of a new era in Augusta coverage. For the first time, Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+ will broadcast exclusive Masters rounds — bringing the most exclusive event in golf to streaming audiences who’ve never had live access before. If you’re planning how to watch the Masters (April 9–12), the coverage map has never been more complex — or more comprehensive. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Full 2026 Masters TV and Streaming Schedule
Wednesday, April 8 — Par 3 Contest
ESPN: 2:00–4:00 p.m. ET. The Par 3 Contest at Augusta’s beloved short course is as much social spectacle as golf competition — family members, children, and even dogs occasionally caddie for the players. After Rory McIlroy’s Masters victory last year, he hosts this year as defending champion. No player has won the Par 3 Contest and the Masters in the same week — a “curse” that keeps the event light-hearted even as the pressure of Thursday morning looms.
Thursday, April 9 — Round 1
Amazon Prime Video: 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET (exclusive early coverage)
ESPN: 3:00–7:30 p.m. ET
Friday, April 10 — Round 2
Amazon Prime Video: 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET (exclusive early coverage)
ESPN: 3:00–7:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, April 11 — Round 3
Paramount+: 12:00–2:00 p.m. ET (exclusive early coverage)
CBS: 2:00–7:00 p.m. ET
Sunday, April 12 — Final Round
Paramount+: 12:00–2:00 p.m. ET (exclusive early coverage)
CBS: 2:00–7:00 p.m. ET
Free Viewing Options: Masters.com and the Masters App
Augusta National has always offered some of the most generous free digital coverage in major championship golf, and 2026 is no exception. Masters.com and the Masters App provide:
- Featured Group coverage — Follow specific pairings (including the marquee groups containing Scheffler, McIlroy, and other top contenders) throughout the round.
- Featured Holes — Live feeds on Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, 13) and the 15th and 16th — the stretch where Masters titles are typically won and lost.
- Every Shot, Every Hole — Watch complete footage of every player’s round in real time or on demand.
- My Group — Customise your experience to follow specific players.
These digital offerings are genuinely exceptional and available worldwide — often the best way to follow specific players rather than the broadcast’s editorial decisions.
The Key Storylines to Watch This Week
Before you settle in for Thursday morning, here’s the context you need:
McIlroy: Can He Go Back-to-Back?
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 victory completed his career Grand Slam in perhaps the most dramatic Masters finish in decades. His title defense comes with complications: a back injury earlier this year and limited competitive appearances. His putting statistics remain a concern — ranking outside the top 100 in strokes gained putting. Nobody has successfully defended at Augusta since Tiger Woods in 2002.
Scheffler: The Favourite Returning to Augusta
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is listed as the betting favourite at +550. A two-time Masters champion (2022, 2024), Scheffler has the most consistent Augusta record in the current generation — top 10 in every appearance. However, his 2026 form has been notably less dominant than his record-breaking 2025 campaign, and a withdrawal from the Houston Open limited his final tournament preparation before Augusta.
The Dark Horses
Beyond McIlroy and Scheffler, the five dark horse contenders we’ve identified include Bryson DeChambeau (off a five-win LIV streak), Jon Rahm (building momentum at major events), and Ludvig Åberg — who many consider the most complete young player in the game right now.
How to Watch on Your TV, Phone, or Tablet
- ESPN/CBS — Available through cable, satellite, or live TV streaming services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, DirecTV Stream)
- Amazon Prime Video — Available in the Prime Video app on smart TVs, phones, tablets, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and online. Requires an active Prime subscription.
- Paramount+ — Available on all major streaming devices and online. Requires an active Paramount+ subscription (Essential or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME).
- Masters.com / Masters App — Free worldwide, no subscription required. Best for following specific players or holes.
The Holes You Need to Watch Most Closely
Augusta National rewards patience and punishes impatience. For viewers, the drama concentrates in several specific locations:
- Hole 12 (Golden Bell) — A 155-yard par 3 over Rae’s Creek, with swirling winds that make club selection one of the most treacherous decisions in all of golf. Multiple Masters have been decided at this hole.
- Hole 13 (Azalea) — A par 5 with a creek crossing for those who go for it in two. The risk-reward decision here separates aggressive front-runners from conservative leaders.
- Hole 15 (Firethorn) — Par 5 with a pond in front of the green. Another go-or-layup decision that regularly defines the final round leaderboard.
- Hole 18 (Holly) — The uphill finishing hole where champions accept their green jacket and near-misses feel the agony most acutely.
Our guide to what amateurs can learn from the Masters breaks down the specific shot-making and course management lessons that apply to your own game — so you can watch with both entertainment and education in mind.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Masters (April 9–12) introduces Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+ coverage for the first time alongside ESPN and CBS.
- Free coverage is available worldwide through Masters.com and the Masters App — including featured group and featured hole live feeds.
- McIlroy defends; Scheffler leads the betting market at +550; DeChambeau and Åberg are the most dangerous dark horses.
- Holes 12, 13, 15, and 18 are where the Masters is typically won and lost — focus your viewing on those moments.
- The Par 3 Contest on Wednesday April 8 is family-friendly viewing on ESPN and a perfect warm-up for the main event.
