The Masters 2026: Rory McIlroy Aims to Defend Title at Augusta National
The 90th edition of the Masters Tournament, golf's most prestigious event, has arrived, capturing global attention as Rory McIlroy bids to defend his title. All eyes are on the Northern Irishman at the legendary Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, a venue steeped in history since 1934. Known for its blooming azaleas and the treacherous 'Amen Corner', this iconic course offers a stunning yet challenging backdrop for the world's elite golfers.
Tournament Details and Start Times
The first round officially commences on Thursday, April 9, with honorary starters typically teeing off around 7.30am local time. Competitive play begins shortly thereafter, ensuring all participants complete their rounds before sunset in Georgia. The schedule is meticulously planned to accommodate the full field across four days of intense competition.
UK Broadcasting and Streaming Options
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports holds exclusive rights to broadcast the Masters live from start to finish. Main coverage airs on the dedicated Sky Sports Golf channel, with additional action often featured on Sky Sports Main Event during peak viewing hours. For the opening rounds on Thursday and Friday, live broadcasts begin at 2pm to capture early starters. Weekend coverage for Saturday and Sunday shifts to a later start time of 4.30pm as leaders prepare to tee off.
Subscribers can stream the action live via the Sky Go app on smartphones, tablets, and laptops for on-the-go viewing. Non-subscribers have the option to purchase a contract-free Now TV Sports Membership, accessible through the Now app on most smart devices. Additionally, the official Masters website and Masters app provide specialised live streams, including 'Amen Corner' and 'Featured Groups' coverage in high definition, offering a unique way to follow specific holes and players throughout the day.
US Coverage and Digital Access
In the United States, broadcasting duties are split between ESPN and CBS for comprehensive national coverage. ESPN will air the first and second rounds on Thursday and Friday, while CBS takes over for the critical third and final rounds over the weekend. Coverage times are set with the first two rounds beginning at 1pm ET (10am PT), and weekend tee times kicking off at 12pm ET (9am PT).
American viewers can stream the tournament via Paramount+ for the CBS feed and ESPN+ for early-round broadcasts. Those with participating cable providers can use the 'Watch ESPN' app or the CBS Sports app to watch live on mobile devices, ensuring flexibility for fans across the country.
Alternative Listening and Additional Information
For those unable to watch on television, BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra provides extensive commentary throughout the week, typically starting at 8pm each evening to cover the dramatic conclusions of each round as the sun sets over Augusta. This audio option allows listeners to stay engaged with the tournament's unfolding drama.
Golf enthusiasts can enhance their viewing experience with Sky's Ultimate TV bundle, which includes 135 channels, nine from Sky Sports, plus HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu. Coverage of the Masters begins on April 6, offering comprehensive access to all the action from Augusta National.
