The first full week of April isn't just another week, it's Masters week. Listening to that iconic, gentle piano music as the world's best golfers walk the sacred grounds of Augusta National is a tradition for so many of us. But if you're wondering exactly where and how you can tune in, you've come to the right place. This guide breaks down every single way to watch the Masters, from traditional TV broadcasts to the most immersive online streams, so you won’t miss a second of the azaleas, the roars, or the chase for the green jacket.
Your Guide to TV Broadcasts
For those who love the traditional viewing experience, the Masters Tournament is broadcast on two major networks in the United States. This tried-and-true method is simple, reliable, and brings high-definition action right into your living room.
Early Round Coverage: Thursday & Friday
The opening two rounds on Thursday and Friday are broadcast exclusively on ESPN. Typically, live coverage begins in the afternoon, around 3:00 PM ET, and runs until 7:30 PM ET. This window captures the leaders as they finish their rounds and showcases the critical shots that determine who makes the cut. If you want to see the legends of the game get their tournament started, ESPN is your channel for the first 36 holes.
Don't forget the Par 3 Contest! This beloved family-friendly event takes place on the Wednesday before the tournament and is also broadcast on ESPN, usually in the early afternoon. It's a wonderful, relaxed start to the week.
Weekend Coverage: Saturday & Sunday
When the weekend arrives, the broadcast shifts over to CBS. For decades, CBS has been the home of the defining moments of the Masters, from incredible late-round charges to the emotional walk up the 18th fairway on Sunday. Their live coverage typically starts around 3:00 PM ET on Saturday and 2:00 PM ET on a climactic Sunday.
The familiar voices, iconic camera angles, and expert analysis make the CBS broadcast an essential part of the Masters experience for millions.
For International Viewers
If you're watching from outside the United States, Augusta National has broadcast partners all across the globe. Some of the major ones include:
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Golf offers comprehensive live coverage throughout the tournament week.
- Canada: TSN covers the early rounds, with CTV joining for the weekend broadcast.
- Australia: Fox Sports and the streaming service Kayo usually carry the action.
For other regions, a quick check of your local sports broadcaster's schedule should point you to the right channel. Augusta takes pride in its global reach.
Streaming the Masters Online: The Modern Experience
While TV is great, the digital age has brought us an unparalleled way to watch the Masters. The online options provide more coverage, more control, and more content than ever before - and the best option is completely free.
The Undisputed Best Way to Watch: Masters.com & The Official App
Let me be perfectly clear: If you want the most comprehensive, customizable, and immersive Masters viewing experience, you must go to Masters.com or download the official Masters Golf Tournament App on your phone, tablet, or smart TV. This is the official hub, and it is a marvel of sports broadcasting. Best of all, it's 100% free with no subscription required.
Here’s what you get:
- Live TV Simulcast: You can watch the full ESPN and CBS broadcasts directly through the app or website.
- Featured Groups: This is a game-changer. Starting Thursday morning, long before the TV broadcast begins, you can watch dedicated streams that follow several high-profile groups for their entire round, shot by shot.
- "Amen Corner" Live: Sit back and watch a continuous, dedicated live feed of holes 11, 12, and 13. Witness every single player navigate the most famous corner in golf.
- Holes 4, 5, & 6 Live: A newer stream that showcases the tricky long par-3 4th, the demanding par-4 5th, and the picturesque downhill par-3 6th.
- Holes 15 & 16 Live: Settle in for the drama. You can watch every group decide whether to go for the green in two on the par-5 15th and then take on the iconic par-3 16th over the water.
- "My Group" Feature: This is my personal favorite. You can build your own personalized "featured group" by selecting your favorite players. The platform will then create a custom video highlights channel for you, showing you every single shot from every player you selected, as soon as their shots are available.
Using Masters.com is like having your own director's chair. You can focus on who you want, when you want. It’s what being an informed golf fan is all about.
Subscription-Based Streaming Services
If you've cut the cord and want to watch the main ESPN/CBS telecasts, a number of live TV streaming services will give you access:
- Paramount+: The direct streaming service for CBS. A subscription here gives you seamless access to the marquee Saturday and Sunday coverage.
- ESPN+: While it doesn't carry the main ESPN telecast, ESPN+ is the home for the official Masters ancillary streams (Featured Groups, Amen Corner, etc.) within the ESPN an ecosystem.
- Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling TV: These platforms all act as cable replacements. As long as ESPN and your local CBS affiliate are included in your package, you can watch the entire tournament through these apps. Many of them offer free trials, which can be a great way to watch for the week.
A Coach's Tips for the Ultimate Viewing Experience
Watching golf is enjoyable, but watching it with a deeper understanding is even better. As a coach, I don't just see a swing, I see a decision-making process. Here’s how you can elevate your viewing week from passive to active.
Embrace the Second Screen
This is非negotiable for the die-hard fan. Have the main CBS or ESPN broadcast on your big TV screen for the primary narrative and flow of the tournament. On your laptop, tablet, or phone, have the Masters app open. Maybe you keep the live leaderboard up, or you switch between the Amen Corner feed and your "My Group" channel. This dual-screen setup lets you follow the leaders' broadcasts while simultaneously watching your favorite golfer play the 7th hole across the course. It makes you feel like you're in the command center, catching every important moment.
Understand the On-Course Strategy
When you're watching, think like a caddie. Why do nearly all players aim for the middle of the green on the par-3 12th hole, regardless of where the pin is? Because the turbulent winds and the shallow green make a direct attack too risky. The cost of a shortsided miss into a bunker or Rae’s Creek is a likely bogey or worse. The smart play is to find the center of the green and secure a par.
Notice the decisions on the par-5 13th and 15th holes. From a good lie in the fairway, going for the green in two is tempting and can lead to an eagle. From the rough or a tricky lie? The smart mind, the caddie's mind, says to lay up to a perfect wedge distance, eliminate the risk of water, and trust your short game. Watching the tournament with this strategic mindset turns every shot into a fascinating lesson in course management.
Final Thoughts
From the first tee shot on Thursday to the final putt on Sunday, you have a wealth of options to experience the Masters. You can enjoy the classic TV broadcasts on ESPN and CBS, or dive deep with the unparalleled free coverage on Masters.com and the Masters app.
Just as gaining a deeper understanding of course strategy can elevate your Masters viewing, applying that same knowledge to your own game is what makes you a better player. As you watch a pro assess a difficult lie, we designed Caddie AI to give you that same kind of on-demand expertise. When you face that tricky shot in the rough or feel stuck between clubs, you can get a clear, smart strategy right in your pocket. Our goal is to take the guesswork out of your game so you can play with the same confidence and clarity you see on display at Augusta.