Rory McIlroy's Tee Time Today At The Masters Draws Major Interest
Rory McIlroys Tee Time Today At The Masters Draws Major Interest...
Golf fans across the U.S. are eagerly searching for Rory McIlroy's tee time today as the four-time major champion begins his latest quest for a career Grand Slam at the 2026 Masters. McIlroy is scheduled to tee off at 1:48 PM ET alongside defending champion Scottie Scheffler and rising star Ludvig Ă…berg in one of the most anticipated pairings of the tournament.
The Northern Irishman's pursuit of the elusive Masters title has become one of golf's most compelling storylines. A win this week would make McIlroy just the sixth player in history to complete the career Grand Slam, joining legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.
Augusta National's traditional afternoon tee times for featured groups have created prime viewing hours for U.S. audiences. ESPN's coverage begins at 3 PM ET, with McIlroy's group expected to reach the broadcast window around the turn.
Google search trends show particularly strong interest from golf-heavy markets like Florida, South Carolina, and Arizona. The Masters remains the most-watched golf tournament in America, with last year's final round drawing 12.1 million viewers on CBS.
McIlroy enters this year's tournament in strong form, having won the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month. His driving distance (1st on Tour) and improved putting (up to 42nd in strokes gained) make him a favorite on Augusta's lengthened layout.
Weather could play a factor in today's round, with forecasts calling for 10-15 mph winds during McIlroy's afternoon tee time. The breezy conditions may test the 34-year-old's famed ball-striking on Augusta's treacherous back nine.
Ticket resale prices for today's practice round reached $900 on secondary markets, reflecting extraordinary demand to see McIlroy's final preparations. The golfer spent Tuesday working extensively on his short game around Augusta's tricky greens.
McIlroy's last competitive round at Augusta saw him shoot a final-round 64 in 2022, tying the course record. While he's had seven top-10 finishes at the Masters, his quest for the green jacket has become golf's version of baseball's "Curse of the Bambino."
Sportsbooks list McIlroy as the +900 third favorite behind Scheffler and Jon Rahm. A $100 bet on McIlroy would yield $900 if he dons the green jacket Sunday evening.
Viewers without cable can stream McIlroy's round through the Masters app or ESPN+. The featured group coverage will include shot-by-shot tracking of every player in McIlroy's pairing.
