Masters Tee Times Released As Golf's Biggest Event Begins
Masters Tee Times Released As Golfs Biggest Event Begins...
The 2026 Masters Tournament tee times were announced Friday morning, setting the stage for golf's most prestigious major championship at Augusta National. The pairings reveal comes as thousands of fans descend on Augusta, Georgia, with weekend tickets selling out within minutes of release last year.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler will tee off at 10:42 AM ET Thursday alongside rising star Ludvig Ã…berg and 2021 winner Hideki Matsuyama. Tiger Woods, making his 28th Masters appearance, drew a 1:24 PM start time with Jason Day and Max Homa. The groupings reflect Augusta National's tradition of pairing past champions with current contenders.
Tee times dominate searches today as office pools finalize predictions and fans plan viewing parties. ESPN will broadcast early-round coverage starting at 3 PM ET Thursday, with CBS taking over weekend coverage. The tournament returns to its traditional April slot after weather-related adjustments in recent years.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed ideal course conditions during Wednesday's press conference. "The greens are running at 13 on the Stimpmeter," Ridley said, referencing the device that measures putting surface speed. "We expect challenging but fair conditions throughout the weekend."
Notable early-round pairings include Rory McIlroy's quest for the career Grand Slam (9:48 AM Friday) and Jon Rahm's title defense (10:30 AM Thursday). The tournament follows significant PGA Tour-LIV Golf negotiations, with 13 LIV players receiving invitations including past champions Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson.
Local businesses report record reservations, with hotel prices near Augusta National topping $800 per night. The economic impact exceeds $120 million annually for the region according to Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau data. Secondary ticket markets show Sunday badges selling for over $2,000 as Scheffler attempts to join Woods, Nicklaus and Faldo as back-to-back winners.
Weather forecasts suggest ideal scoring conditions with highs near 75°F and light winds. The absence of rain in the extended forecast marks a departure from recent waterlogged tournaments that required Monday finishes. All eyes now turn to Amen Corner as the world's best golfers chase the iconic green jacket.
