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Masters 2026 Set for Thursday Start With McIlroy Defending and Scheffler Favored

Fans get broad coverage on ESPN, CBS, Masters.com.

Overview

  • The 90th Masters, which begins Thursday, features a confirmed 91-player field and published opening-round tee times at Augusta National.
  • Rory McIlroy returns as the reigning champion after his 2025 playoff win over Justin Rose, teeing off at 10:31 a.m. ET with Cameron Young and amateur Mason Howell.
  • World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters as the betting favorite at +550, with Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau next on the BetMGM board, as full-field odds were updated Wednesday.
  • ESPN carries the first two rounds from 3–7:30 p.m. ET before coverage shifts to CBS on the weekend, with live streams on Masters.com and the Masters App plus options such as Prime Video and Paramount+.
  • Tiger Woods is out as he receives treatment following a March 27 DUI arrest, and Phil Mickelson will also miss the event due to a personal medical matter.