The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 Masters first round.
Few dates on the calendar evoke sports romanticism like the Masters does. The PGA Tour’s first major is steeped in tradition — silver clubhouse inscriptions, green wool-polyester blazers, the tenor of Jim Nantz and the tension of “Heartbreak Highway.” Augusta ryegrass connotes both spring renewal and historic reach.
Last year’s tournament gave us an indelible ending. Rory McIlroy’s bogey and Justin Rose’s birdie forced a playoff after 72 holes, then McIlroy endured to seal his career Grand Slam. The loaded 2026 field includes the reigning champion and runner-up, plus world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and ascendant Cameron Young.
Action begins Thursday morning from the lush Georgia enclave of Augusta National. Opening rounds are carried by several different channels and streamers. It can be a bit confusing. Read on for the full broadcast explanation, updated tee times and betting picks.
All times ET.
How to watch the Masters, Rounds 1 and 2
- Location: Augusta National Golf Club — Augusta, Ga.
- Dates: April 9 and 10
| Day | Time (ET) | TV | Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Thursday (R1) |
1-3 p.m. |
Prime Video |
Prime Video |
|
Thursday (R1) |
3-7:30 p.m. |
ESPN |
|
|
Friday (R2) |
1-3 p.m. |
Prime Video |
Prime Video |
|
Friday (R2) |
3-7:30 p.m. |
ESPN |
All broadcasts and streams are also available on Masters.com and the Masters app.
Format and complete broadcast coverage
The “tradition unlike any other” has a broadcast that’s scattered as ever. For Thursday and Friday, primary TV coverage is bifurcated between Prime Video (1-3 p.m.) and ESPN (3-7 p.m.).
Terry Gannon hosts the early Prime Video window from Butler Cabin. Amazon is also teasing an interview with Jack Nicklaus, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of his 1986 Masters win. Scott Van Pelt takes the evening window for ESPN. He’s joined by analysts Curtis Strange and Michael Eaves.
Masters.com and the Masters app have a simulcast of the two primary coverages from 1 to 7:30 p.m.
Now, to…