Masters 2026 Tee Times: When Thursday's First Round Begins

Masters 2026 Tee Times: When Thursdays First Round Begins...

The 2026 Masters Tournament begins Thursday morning at Augusta National Golf Club, with tee times starting at 8:00 AM ET. Golf fans across the U.S. are searching for start times as the year's first major championship returns to Georgia this week.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler will headline the morning groups, teeing off at 10:42 AM ET alongside Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele. Tournament organizers released the full pairings Wednesday afternoon after completing practice rounds amid perfect spring weather conditions.

Early coverage begins at 8:00 AM ET on ESPN+ and Masters.com before switching to ESPN at 3:00 PM ET. The topic is trending nationwide as offices adjust schedules and golf clubs organize viewing parties for the prestigious event.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed Wednesday that the course will play at its traditional 7,545-yard length. Morning dew could slow early groups before afternoon winds potentially challenge later starters.

Viewership is expected to surge after last year's record ratings. Many workplaces are making exceptions for employees to watch the tournament, particularly during Tiger Woods' 10:18 AM ET tee time with Will Zalatoris and Viktor Hovland.

Gates open at 7:00 AM ET Thursday, with patrons lining up overnight for the limited public tickets. Secondary market prices have reached $2,500 for Thursday grounds passes as demand spikes in the tournament's 90th anniversary year.