Masters 2026 Coverage Begins Thursday Amid High Anticipation

Masters 2026 Coverage Begins Thursday Amid High Anticipation...

The 2026 Masters Tournament coverage begins Thursday, April 13, at Augusta National Golf Club, with ESPN and CBS sharing broadcast rights. Golf fans across the U.S. are searching for start times as the first major championship of the year draws record interest. This year’s event features defending champion Scottie Scheffler and rising star Ludvig Åberg in a highly competitive field.

ESPN will air the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday from 3-7:30 p.m. ET, while CBS takes over for the weekend with coverage from 3-7 p.m. ET on Saturday and 2-7 p.m. ET on Sunday. Streaming options include Masters.com, ESPN+, and Paramount+, catering to viewers who prefer digital platforms. The tournament’s limited commercial breaks and iconic course visuals make it a must-watch event.

Searches for "when does Masters coverage start" have spiked this week as fans prepare for the four-day competition. The Masters consistently ranks among the most-watched golf events, with last year’s final round averaging 12.1 million viewers. This year’s storyline includes Scheffler’s bid for a third green jacket and potential drama around LIV Golf players returning to Augusta.

Augusta National’s strict broadcasting rules mean no coverage airs before the scheduled windows, increasing demand for precise timing details. Golf enthusiasts are also tracking weather forecasts, as rain could delay play and alter TV schedules. Tournament organizers confirmed all systems are go for an on-time start Thursday afternoon.

Tiger Woods’ participation remains uncertain after his recent withdrawal from the Genesis Invitational, adding another layer of intrigue. Whether he plays or not, the 2026 Masters is poised to deliver compelling golf as the sport’s biggest names compete for prestige and a $20 million purse.