Masters 2026 Tee Times Announced As Tournament Begins Today
Masters 2026 Tee Times Announced As Tournament Begins Today...
The 2026 Masters Tournament officially tees off today at Augusta National Golf Club, with tee times for the first round sparking widespread interest among golf fans. The highly anticipated pairings were released Wednesday evening, setting the stage for a dramatic opening day at one of sports' most prestigious events.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler will begin his title defense at 10:42 AM ET alongside rising star Ludvig Ã…berg and 2023 winner Jon Rahm. Tiger Woods, making his 30th Masters appearance, drew one of the day's marquee groupings with a 1:36 PM ET start alongside Rory McIlroy and Will Zalatoris.
The tee times are trending nationwide as office pools, fantasy leagues, and viewing parties adjust schedules around the tournament's star-studded lineup. Augusta National's traditional morning fog delay pushed several early groups back by 30 minutes, adding last-minute drama to the opening round.
Notable early groupings include Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Collin Morikawa at 9:24 AM ET, while the afternoon features a blockbuster pairing of current world No. 2 Xander Schauffele with past champions Hideki Matsuyama and Dustin Johnson at 12:54 PM ET.
Broadcast coverage begins at 8:00 AM ET on ESPN, with streaming available via Masters.com and the ESPN+ platform. The tournament runs through Sunday, when the winner will receive the iconic green jacket in Butler Cabin.
This year's Masters carries special significance as the first since Augusta National's controversial 2025 course modifications, including a lengthened 13th hole that players say dramatically changes tournament strategy. Early weather forecasts suggest ideal scoring conditions for Thursday's opening round, with temperatures expected in the mid-70s and light winds.
Viewership is projected to break records, particularly for Woods' afternoon round. The 50-year-old legend continues drawing massive crowds despite playing a limited schedule, with ticket resale prices for Thursday reaching $1,200 on secondary markets.
Golf analysts highlight several compelling storylines, including Scheffler's bid for a third Masters title in four years and McIlroy's ongoing quest to complete the career Grand Slam. The tee sheet also features six amateurs, led by U.S. Amateur champion Nick Dunlap in the day's first group at 8:00 AM ET.
