2026 Masters Round 1: Complete TV and Streaming Guide for Thursday Coverage at Augusta National
AUGUSTA, Ga. — The 2026 Masters Tournament tees off today at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club, kicking off the first major championship of the year with a star-studded field of 91 players vying for the coveted green jacket. Round 1 begins at 7:40 a.m. ET, setting the stage for four days of world-class golf on one of the planet’s most prestigious courses.
Fans eager to catch every putt, drive, and birdie have multiple options to watch the action live on TV and streaming platforms. While traditional TV coverage starts later in the day, comprehensive streaming feeds are available from the early morning, allowing viewers to follow featured groups, specific holes, and more.[1][2]
TV Coverage Schedule
The primary televised broadcast of Round 1 airs on ESPN from 3-7:30 p.m. ET, providing main coverage of the day’s key moments.[1][2][3]
- Early TV Window: 1-3 p.m. ET on Prime Video (exclusive early coverage).[1][2]
- Main Broadcast: 3-7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, with a simulcast available on Masters.com.[1][3]
- Post-Round Highlights: 11:35-11:50 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.[1][3]
Some sources note additional pre-tournament programming, such as Live From the Masters on Golf Channel from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. ET, though primary Round 1 focus shifts to ESPN and streaming.[5]
Streaming Options: Wall-to-Wall Coverage
For those wanting to dive deeper, Masters.com and the official Masters app offer extensive free and premium streams starting as early as 7:30 a.m. ET with the honorary starters.[2][3][9]
| Stream | Time (ET) | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Honorary Starters | 7:30 a.m. | Masters.com, Masters App |
| Masters On the Range | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+ |
| Featured Groups | 9:15 a.m.-7:30 p.m. | Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+, Prime Video, ESPN App, DirecTV |
| Featured Holes (15 & 16) | 11:45 a.m.-7 p.m. | Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+, Prime Video, ESPN App, DirecTV |
| Full Round 1 Stream | 1-7:30 p.m. | Masters.com, Masters App |
CBS Sports provides free Masters Live streams on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports app for desktop and mobile, with connected devices via Paramount+.[1][3] Amazon Prime Video handles the 1-3 p.m. early window, while the ESPN App simulcasts the TV feed.[2][6]
Key Storylines and Players to Watch
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler headlines the field alongside Rory McIlroy, who seeks his career Grand Slam, and Bryson DeChambeau.[1][8] The 91-player roster includes top talents battling Augusta National’s treacherous layout, famous for its Amen Corner (holes 11-13) and closing stretch.
Streaming feeds allow fans to track Featured Groups like Scheffler and McIlroy, or zero in on Amen Corner and Holes 15 & 16, where drama often unfolds.[2][5]
International Viewing
Outside the U.S., options vary: Sky Sports Golf in the UK (2 p.m.-12:30 a.m. GMT), Fox Sports in Australia (11 p.m.-9:30 a.m. AEDT), and TSN in Canada (10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. ET).[7]
Tee Times and Start Details
Round 1 officially starts at 7:40 a.m. ET, following honorary starters around 7:30 a.m. Full tee times are available on Masters.com, with early groups setting the pace on this pristine Thursday morning.[1][2][4]
Augusta National’s azaleas are in bloom, the greens are lightning-fast, and the leaderboard is wide open. Whether on TV or streaming, golf fans won’t want to miss the opening shots of the 90th Masters.[3]
For real-time updates, scores, and more, visit Masters.com or download the Masters app.[9] Stay tuned as Round 1 unfolds and contenders emerge at golf’s most hallowed grounds.
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