Masters 2026 Tee Times Announced Amid High Fan Anticipation
Masters 2026 Tee Times Announced Amid High Fan Anticipation...
The 2026 Masters Tournament tee times were released Thursday morning, sparking immediate excitement among golf fans. The first-round pairings for Augusta National's iconic event were unveiled at 8:00 AM ET, with defending champion Scottie Scheffler set to tee off at 10:42 AM alongside rising star Ludvig Ă…berg.
This year's tee times are trending nationally as fans plan viewing parties and travel to Georgia for the season's first major championship. The tournament begins April 9 at Augusta National Golf Club, with practice rounds starting April 6.
Tiger Woods will make his highly anticipated return to competitive golf with a 1:24 PM Thursday start time. The 50-year-old legend is paired with Will Zalatoris and 2023 PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka in one of the day's marquee groupings.
Morning wave players face potentially cooler conditions, with afternoon starters likely encountering faster greens. Tournament officials moved several featured groups to late morning slots after last year's weather-related scheduling challenges.
Local fans are particularly invested this year after Georgia native Russell Henley earned a last-minute qualifying spot. The Macon resident will play alongside Shane Lowry and Justin Thomas at 9:12 AM Thursday.
Digital ticket resale prices jumped 18% within hours of the tee time announcement. Secondary market data shows strong demand for Wednesday's Par 3 Contest, where players traditionally bring family members as caddies.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed the club will maintain its traditional split-tee start for the first two rounds. The policy helps accommodate larger galleries while preserving the course's pristine conditions.
ESPN will broadcast early-round coverage beginning at 3:00 PM ET Thursday and Friday. CBS takes over weekend coverage at 3:00 PM Saturday and 2:00 PM Sunday for the final round.
Weather forecasts suggest mostly sunny conditions with highs near 75 degrees for the opening round. Tournament organizers have contingency plans for potential afternoon thunderstorms later in the week.
The tee time release comes one day after the Masters announced record charitable donations from last year's event. The tournament distributed $18 million to youth development programs across Georgia and South Carolina.
