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 kicks off under clear Georgia skies.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler headlines the 7:50 AM featured pairing alongside Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. Tiger Woods, making his 28th Masters appearance, tees off at 10:18 AM with Viktor Hovland and Will Zalatoris. ESPN will broadcast early coverage starting at 8:00 AM ET before CBS takes over at 3:00 PM.

Interest spikes annually as the Masters marks spring's arrival in American sports. This year's tournament gains extra attention with LIV Golf players returning to compete against PGA Tour stars. Augusta National's strict no-phone policy also drives last-minute searches for broadcast schedules.

Morning fog delayed practice rounds Wednesday but isn't expected to impact Thursday's start. Tournament officials moved several tee times forward 10 minutes to accommodate potential weather changes. The Masters app provides real-time updates for fans following specific groups.

Viewership is projected to break records after 2025's dramatic finish. Over 30 million U.S. viewers watched last year's final round, the highest since 2018. This year's field features 89 competitors, including 16 first-time participants.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed the club will maintain traditional early-April scheduling despite golf's crowded calendar. The Masters remains the only major played at the same course annually, creating unique anticipation for its start times each spring.