Chasing down every bit of the Masters Tournament can feel like a sport in itself, and when you can't be parked in front of a TV, listening to the action is the next best thing. This guide will walk you through every option for tuning in with your ears, from official live broadcasts to a few creative methods, so you don't miss a single polite applause or Jim Nantz whisper from Augusta National. We'll cover the best apps, websites, and radio stations to have ready for that second week in April.
The Official Ways to Listen Live
When it comes to the Masters, the organization itself provides the most direct and immersive audio experiences. These are the go-to, gold-standard options that bring you the unadulterated sounds and commentary straight from the Augusta, Georgia.
Masters.com and the Official Masters App
This is, without a doubt, the best and most accessible way for anyone in the world to listen to the tournament. Augusta National provides a free, live radio broadcast directly through its official website and mobile app.
How It Works:
- Website: Simply navigate to Masters.com during tournament week. There will be a prominent link or a "Listen Live" button on the homepage that takes you directly to the audio player.
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Download the "The Masters Golf Tournament" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It’s a fantastic app that's worth having year-round for its archives, but during the tournament, the live radio feature is front and center.
What You Get:
- Continuous Coverage: The audio broadcast often starts well before the television window begins and runs continuously throughout the day, covering play from the first tee shot to the last putt.
- Unmatched Atmosphere: The sound quality is pristine. You hear what makes Augusta special: the unique thud of a perfectly compressed iron shot, the distinct sound of the crowd's muffled applause, birds chirping in the Georgia pines, and the hushed tones of the commentators.
- Expert Commentary: The presenters are seasoned professionals who understand the gravitas of the event. They provide insightful, respectful, and story-driven commentary that enhances the experience rather than overpowering it. It’s less "hot takes" and more poetic descriptions of shot shapes and course strategy.
For most people wanting a pure listening experience on their computer at work or through headphones on their phone, this is the number one option. It's free, it's official, and the production quality is second to none.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
If you're a satellite radio subscriber, the Masters coverage on SiriusXM is an absolute treat. It's the perfect companion for long drives, running errands, or for those who simply prefer the traditional radio format.
How It Works:
- Channel: Historically, live Masters coverage airs on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio (Sirius channel 208, XM channel 92). It's a good idea to confirm the exact channel number as the tournament approaches.
- Accessibility: You'll need an active SiriusXM subscription. You can listen in your car or stream it through the SiriusXM app on your phone, tablet, or smart speaker.
What You Get:
- Wall-to-Wall Coverage: SiriusXM provides exhaustive coverage. This includes live play-by-play on all four tournament days, extensive pre-round expert analysis, player interviews, and detailed post-round wrap-up shows.
- Renowned Talent: The commentary team is typically a mix of well-known golf media personalities and former players who provide deep analysis of what's happening on the course. They do a phenomenal job of painting a picture for the listener.
- On-the-Go Perfection: This is arguably the best choice for anyone who will be in their car during the tournament. The app also makes it a strong contender for an "at-work" option, providing a constant stream of golf talk and live action.
More Ways to Follow the Action
Beyond the primary official broadcasters, a few other channels can help you stay connected to every developing storyline from Augusta National.
Local Sports Radio Affiliates (Westwood One)
The traditional radio experience is still alive and well thanks to Westwood One, the official domestic radio partner of the Masters. Their broadcast is syndicated to hundreds of local sports radio stations across the United States.
- How to Find It: Tune into your local AM or FM sports radio station of choice during Masters week. Most major sports stations will carry the coverage, especially during the afternoon hours on Thursday and Friday and all day on the weekend. You can often check a station's website for their programming schedule to confirm.
- The Vibe: This is the classic way to follow golf. The commentators are exceptional at describing the scene, creating a "theater of the mind" that lets you visualize every shot. It’s a reliable option if you're out and about and want to just turn on the radio.
Golf Podcasts
While podcasts won't give you live play-by-play, they are an essential part of the modern Masters experience. They are perfect for your commute to work or for getting caught up on the day's action.
- Daily Recaps: Most major golf podcasts (like No Laying Up, The Fried Egg, or The Shotgun Start) will release episodes every single night of the tournament. They'll break down the biggest moments, discuss who played well (and who didn't), and preview the next day's storylines.
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This is where you get the unfiltered takes, tactical breakdowns, and emotional reactions that add another layer of enjoyment to the tournament. Listening to a recap after the day's play can often highlight moments or strategic nuances you may have missed.
Pro tip: Subscribe to a few of your favorites before the week starts so new episodes automatically download to your phone.
"The Second Screen": Listening While Watching
A growing trend among serious golf fans is to create their own "second screen" experience. This involves watching the television broadcast on mute while listening to a separate audio feed, usually the official Masters.com or SiriusXM commentary.
Why Do This?
Many fans prefer the more understated, respectful, and insightful commentary from the radio crews. They find it less intrusive and more focused on the on-course action and strategy. This method gives you the stunning visuals of Augusta National combined with the refined audio storytelling of the radio broadcast.
How to Set It Up:
- Turn on your television to the Masters broadcast.
- Mute the TV's volume.
- Open Masters.com on your laptop or the app on your phone/tablet and start the "Listen Live" stream.
- Place your audio source near you.
There might be a slight delay of a few seconds between the audio and video, but most people find it easy to adjust to and well worth it for the improved commentary experience.
Using Audio to Improve Your Own Game
As a golf coach, I always tell my students that listening to a professional golf tournament is one of the most underrated ways to learn. Don't just hear the broadcast, listen with intent.
- Listen for Strategy: Pay close attention when the commentators or players talk about their thought process. Where is the "good miss" on this approach shot? What club are they choosing to deal with the wind? Notice how often pros play to the center of the green and away from the flag, especially at Augusta. This disciplined approach is a masterclass in course management.
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Listen for Routine and Rhythm:
You can often pick up on a player’s rhythm through the cadence of the announcer. Listen for the pauses, the moment of decision, and the commitment. It's a great reminder that a consistent pre-shot routine is the foundation of confident golf. -
Listen for the Mental Game:
How do players recover after a bogey? The commentary team will often discuss a player's demeanor and how they are handling pressure. Hearing how the best in the world navigate adversity provides invaluable lessons for managing your own emotions on the course.
Final Thoughts
Staying connected to the Masters Tournament through audio is simple and incredibly rewarding. For the purest live play-by-play, Masters.com and the official mobile app are your best free options, while SiriusXM offers a fantastic subscription-based broadcast. Supplement that with daily recap podcasts and you'll have an experience rich with action, analysis, and atmosphere, whether you're at your desk, in the car, or on the go.
Listening to the experts at Augusta navigate one of golf's toughest tests is a fantastic way to learn. It gives you insight into the course management and strategy that separates the best from the rest. Personally, I built Caddie AI to give every golfer that same level of expert strategic advice, not just for Augusta, but for every hole you play. It's like having a tour-level caddie in your pocket, helping you take the guesswork out of club selection and hole strategy so you can play with more confidence and make smarter decisions on the course.