Masters Tee Times Released As Tournament Heats Up
Masters Tee Times Released As Tournament Heats Up...
The 2026 Masters Tournament tee times were announced early Saturday morning, setting the stage for a dramatic weekend at Augusta National. Golf fans across the U.S. are scrambling to check when their favorite players hit the course as the season's first major reaches its climax.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler will tee off at 2:45 PM ET alongside rising star Ludvig Ã…berg and 2023 winner Jon Rahm. Tiger Woods, making his 30th Masters appearance, gets an early 10:18 AM ET start with Jason Day and Max Homa. The groupings reflect intense competition, with just four strokes separating the top 15 players.
This year's tee times carry extra significance due to weather delays that compressed the tournament schedule. Friday's play was suspended for nearly three hours due to thunderstorms, forcing 27 players to complete their second rounds Saturday morning. The adjusted schedule means contenders will play 23-27 holes today.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed the tournament will maintain its traditional Sunday finish despite the disruptions. "We're committed to completing 72 holes by Sunday evening," Ridley told reporters. The last time the Masters extended to Monday was in 1983.
Viewership is expected to surge as Americans tune in to see if Scheffler can defend his title or if Woods can mount a historic comeback at age 50. CBS Sports reports early streaming numbers are up 22% over 2025, with particular interest in the 1:30 PM ET featured group of Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland and Will Zalatoris.
Local businesses in Augusta, Georgia are bracing for record crowds as perfect 72-degree weather is forecast for the weekend. "This is our Super Bowl," said Melanie Carter, owner of a downtown sports bar. "We've been sold out since Wednesday."
The tee time announcement comes amid growing controversy over the tournament's limited broadcast windows. Unlike other majors, the Masters restricts live coverage until 3 PM ET on weekends, frustrating fans who want to watch early group action. Social media erupted with complaints after Golf Channel's limited morning coverage missed Woods' opening holes.
Key afternoon pairings to watch include Patrick Cantlay/Xander Schauffele (2:33 PM ET) and Bryson DeChambeau/Cameron Smith (2:57 PM ET). Tournament leaders will go off last, with the final group scheduled for 3:09 PM ET. All times are subject to change if weather delays persist.
With $20 million in prize money at stake and the iconic green jacket awaiting the winner, today's play could determine who contends on Sunday. The Masters app and website are experiencing heavy traffic as fans check exact tee times for their favorite players.
