The Masters Live Golf 2026: The Ultimate Viewing Guide And 5 Shocking New Broadcast Changes
The Masters Tournament in 2026 is set to deliver an unprecedented viewing experience, with massive changes to the live broadcast schedule making it easier than ever for golf fans to follow the action from Augusta National Golf Club. With the tournament scheduled for April 6–12, 2026, the biggest news is a groundbreaking new partnership that significantly expands the early-round coverage, promising a deeper look into the world’s most exclusive major championship. This article provides the most current details, including the full 2026 schedule, the new ways to watch the live stream, and a look back at the dramatic 2025 champion.
As of late December 2025, excitement is building for the 90th edition of this legendary event. The addition of a major streaming partner signals a new era for golf broadcasting, increasing the total live coverage hours by a significant margin. Fans around the globe are already planning their viewing schedules to witness who will challenge the reigning champion and earn the coveted Green Jacket.
The 2026 Masters Tournament: Dates, Schedule, and the New Broadcast Deal
The 2026 Masters Tournament will officially take place from Monday, April 6, to Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The four official tournament rounds will run from Thursday, April 9, to Sunday, April 12.
The most significant update for fans watching the Masters live is the introduction of a new broadcast partner, dramatically increasing the total viewing hours.
5 Shocking Changes to The Masters Live Coverage in 2026
For the first time, a major streaming service will offer exclusive early coverage, leading to a 50% increase in total broadcast time compared to 2024. The total broadcast coverage across all platforms will now be 27 hours. These are the key changes to the live broadcast schedule:
- Amazon Prime Video Joins the Lineup: Beginning with the 2026 tournament, Amazon Prime Video will offer two additional hours of live coverage for both the first and second rounds.
- Expanded Early Coverage: Prime Video will air the action from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10. This coverage will seamlessly lead into the traditional ESPN afternoon broadcast.
- Increased Total Hours: The new agreement adds four hours of live first- and second-round coverage, contributing to the record 27 total hours of broadcast.
- Multi-Platform Access: The tournament will be broadcast across a combination of Prime Video, ESPN, Paramount+, and CBS.
- International Exclusivity Maintained: Sky Sports remains the exclusive home for live coverage of The Masters in the UK and Europe.
This expansion ensures that fans of the PGA Tour and major golf championships will have more opportunities to watch the early action, including pivotal shots from Amen Corner and the legendary 12th hole.
Masters 2026 Live Broadcast Schedule (Key Hours - ET):
- Thursday, April 9 (Round 1): 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET (Prime Video); 3:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Friday, April 10 (Round 2): 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET (Prime Video); 3:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Saturday, April 11 (Round 3): 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Sunday, April 12 (Final Round): 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
The Reigning Champion: Rory McIlroy’s Historic 2025 Victory
The 2026 Masters will see a new level of anticipation as Rory McIlroy returns to defend his title, a victory that was one of the most historic in recent golf memory.
The 2025 Masters Champion's Biography and Profile
- Name: Rory McIlroy
- Date of Birth: May 4, 1989
- Nationality: Northern Irish
- Professional Since: 2007
- Major Championships (5): U.S. Open (2011), The Open Championship (2014), PGA Championship (2012, 2014), The Masters (2025)
- World No. 1: Spent over 100 weeks as the World No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR)
- 2025 Masters Score: -11 (277)
- Key Achievement: With his 2025 victory, McIlroy completed the Career Grand Slam, winning all four modern major championships.
In a thrilling finish, McIlroy defeated Justin Rose on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to win the 89th Masters Tournament. This victory marked the culmination of a decade-long quest for the Green Jacket, the only major title that had eluded him. The final-round drama at Augusta National cemented his place among golf's all-time greats.
Topical Authority: The Traditions and Landmarks of Augusta National
To truly appreciate the Masters live golf experience, understanding the deep traditions and unique landmarks of Augusta National is essential. The course itself is as famous as the champions who play on it, steeped in history and reverence.
The Iconic Landmarks and Holes
The Masters is defined by its stunning beauty and strategic design. Spectators watching the live stream will frequently see references to these famous locations:
- Amen Corner: The famous stretch of holes 11, 12, and 13, where many Masters Tournaments are won or lost. Rae's Creek runs through this area, adding danger and beauty.
- Magnolia Lane: The iconic 330-yard driveway lined with magnificent magnolia trees that leads directly to the clubhouse. It is the entrance reserved for players and club members.
- The Crow's Nest: A small, historic room above the clubhouse where amateur players are invited to stay during the tournament week.
- Founders Circle: The area at the end of Magnolia Lane, marked by a plaque honoring Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts.
- Ike's Pond: A prominent water hazard named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, located near the Par 3 Course.
- Eisenhower Tree: Though damaged in a storm, the spot near the 17th hole remains a famous landmark in the course's history.
Unique Masters Traditions
Unlike any other major, The Masters is built on a foundation of unique traditions that enhance its allure and mystique. These events are often covered live or in highlights throughout the week:
- The Champions Dinner: Held on Tuesday of tournament week, this is a private dinner hosted by the defending champion, who selects the menu. Only former Masters champions are invited.
- The Par-3 Contest: A lighthearted competition held on Wednesday on the special short course. Players often use family members as caddies, and no winner of the Par-3 Contest has ever gone on to win the Masters in the same year.
- Ceremonial Opening Tee Shots: The tournament officially begins on Thursday morning with Honorary Starters, often legendary champions like Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, hitting the first drives.
- The Green Jacket Ceremony: The winner is presented with the Green Jacket, the official symbol of a Masters champion, in a ceremony held in Butler Cabin immediately following the final putt.
- Skipping Balls at 16: During practice rounds, players often attempt to skip their golf balls across the water on the 16th hole, a fun tradition that is a fan favorite.
How to Watch The Masters Live Stream and Featured Groups
The expanded coverage in 2026 means fans have multiple options for live streaming and watching featured coverage. Beyond the main broadcast on Prime Video, ESPN, and CBS, the official Masters website and app provide dedicated live feeds that are essential for the serious golf enthusiast.
Official Masters Live Stream Feeds (Available via Masters.com and App):
- Featured Groups: Follow two specific groups of players throughout their entire round. This is crucial for keeping up with contenders like Scottie Scheffler or Ludvig Åberg, who have already qualified for the 2026 field.
- Amen Corner Live: Dedicated, continuous coverage of the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes.
- Holes 15 & 16: Live stream of the crucial closing stretch on the back nine.
- The Green: Live footage of the practice putting green.
For UK and European viewers, Sky Sports will carry the exclusive live coverage, making it the primary destination for all four tournament rounds. For US viewers, the combination of Prime Video's new early window, followed by ESPN and CBS, ensures comprehensive coverage from Thursday through Sunday.
The 2026 Masters Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most accessible in history thanks to the new broadcast structure. Whether you are following the defending champion Rory McIlroy, tracking a new contender, or simply enjoying the unparalleled beauty of Augusta National and its traditions, the live golf experience will be richer and more complete than ever before.
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