The Masters is here. Augusta National opens its gates on Thursday 9 April 2026 for the first round of what promises to be one of the most compelling majors in years, with Rory McIlroy returning as defending champion for the first time in his Augusta career. For UK viewers, the timing is manageable — here’s your complete guide to who tees off when and where to watch.
Ceremonial Start
Honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson will hit the ceremonial tee shots at 7:25 AM Eastern Time (12:25 PM BST) on Thursday morning, marking the official opening of the tournament in the traditional way. It’s always a moving moment, and well worth watching if you’re around at lunchtime.
Key Tee Times for UK Viewers
All times below are in British Summer Time (BST), which is Eastern Time plus five hours.
The first competitive group — Jose Maria Olazabal, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, and Aldrich Potgieter — tees off at 8:02 AM ET (1:02 PM BST). That gives UK viewers a lunchtime start for live competitive action.
By mid-afternoon UK time, the big names are out on course. Bryson DeChambeau plays alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele, teeing off at 10:07 AM ET (3:07 PM BST). Rory McIlroy — the defending champion and a man Augusta has already warmed to after his emotional maiden victory in 2025 — goes out with Cameron Young and amateur Mason Howell at 10:31 AM ET (3:31 PM BST). That group will be the one most UK fans are timing their Thursday afternoon around.
Scottie Scheffler, the world number one and heavy pre-tournament favourite, tees off in the penultimate group alongside Robert MacIntyre and Gary Woodland at 1:44 PM ET (6:44 PM BST) — a very watchable evening slot for UK viewers.
Notable Pairings
Several groups are worth keeping an eye on. Jon Rahm, making his return to major competition in strong form, goes out with Chris Gotterup and Ludvig Åberg at 1:08 PM ET (6:08 PM BST). Jordan Spieth, who has unfinished business with the Masters having won it in 2015, tees off alongside Justin Rose and Brooks Koepka at 1:20 PM ET (6:20 PM BST). Scottish favourite Robert MacIntyre, who has been in exceptional form this season, plays in the penultimate group with Scheffler — a pairing that will attract plenty of UK attention.
Where to Watch in the UK
Masters coverage in the UK is split across platforms. Featured groups coverage — which lets you follow specific pairings throughout the round — is available from 9:15 AM BST on Paramount+, Prime Video, and the ESPN App. Amen Corner coverage (holes 11, 12, and 13) is available from 3:45 PM BST. The main ESPN telecast begins at 8:00 PM BST on Thursday, running until 12:30 AM BST on Friday morning. For those who want to follow every shot from early afternoon, the featured group streams are the best option.
Who to Watch
McIlroy’s quest to become a back-to-back Masters champion would be one of the great Augusta stories — only a handful of players have ever won consecutive green jackets, and doing so having won your first in such emotional circumstances last year would make it extraordinary. Scheffler, however, has been in relentless form and is the clear betting favourite. The weather forecast is benign, the course is in superb shape, and the field is the deepest the Masters has seen in years. UK viewers who can stay up past midnight on Thursday night will be rewarded with what could be a genuinely dramatic leaderboard after 18 holes.