2025 Masters: Introduction
The 2025 Masters launches into action on Thursday, April 10, ushering in the first round of this legendary golf showdown at Augusta National. Enthusiasts everywhere are gearing up for a day filled with high stakes and breathtaking moments as the world’s top golfers chase the green jacket. This guide lays out all the essentials for tuning in, including broadcast details, digital streaming options, and a comprehensive rundown of tee times.
Your Viewing Options for Thursday
Golf lovers have a wealth of choices to soak in the opening day’s excitement. Whether you’re glued to a TV or streaming on your device, there’s a way to follow every swing. The coverage is designed to spotlight both veteran players and emerging talents as they take on Augusta’s iconic course.
Broadcast Details
For viewers who enjoy the classic TV experience, ESPN steps up with live coverage airing from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. This block promises expert analysis and a front-row seat to the afternoon’s most pivotal plays, perfect for settling in after a busy day.
Online Viewing Options Unveiled
Fans eager to catch the action digitally can jump in as early as 7:30 a.m. ET, thanks to a rich array of streaming platforms. Services like ESPN+, Paramount+, Masters.com, and the Masters app deliver a variety of perspectives, ranging from following individual players to zooming in on Augusta’s most iconic spots. Below is the full lineup of Thursday’s streaming schedule in a table:
| Stream Type | Time (ET) | Platforms |
| Tradition Kickoff | 7:30 a.m. | Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+ |
| Range Warm-Up Feed | 8:30–10:30 a.m. | Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+ |
| Early Day Highlights | 9:00–9:45 a.m. | Masters YouTube, Paramount+ |
| Handpicked Player Coverage | 9:15 a.m.–7:30 p.m. | Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+ |
| Holes 4, 5, and 6 Spotlight | 8:45 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+ |
| Amen Corner Showcase (Holes 11, 12, 13) | 10:45 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+ |
| Holes 15 and 16 Focus | 11:45 a.m.–7:00 p.m. | Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+ |
| Primary ESPN Feed | 3:00–7:30 p.m. | ESPN+, Masters.com, Masters App |
This diverse slate empowers you to craft your perfect viewing experience—whether you’re tailing a standout golfer or soaking in the magic of Augusta’s storied layout.
Players and Plots to Follow
As the event unfolds, one storyline towers above the rest: Will Rory McIlroy finally claim his first Masters title? Fresh off a stellar season with victories at major tournaments like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Players Championship, he’s in prime position to conquer the one major that’s eluded him. His Thursday performance could set the stage for a historic run.
Elsewhere, reigning champ Scottie Scheffler looks to defend his crown. Teeing off at 10:15 a.m. ET alongside Justin Thomas and amateur Jose Luis Ballester, he’ll be a focal point for fans. Other heavy hitters, including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, add firepower to an already electric field.
Thursday’s Tee Times (Eastern Time)
The morning kicks off with a heartfelt tribute to history as golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson launch the day with ceremonial swings at 7:25 a.m. ET. Following this iconic moment, a field of 95 players steps into the spotlight. Below is the complete schedule of tee times for the opening round in a table:
| Tee Time (ET) | Players |
| 7:40 a.m. | Davis Riley, Patton Kizzire |
| 7:51 a.m. | Kevin Yu, Jhonattan Vegas, Nicolai Højgaard |
| 8:02 a.m. | Mike Weir, Michael Kim, Cameron Young |
| 8:13 a.m. | Zach Johnson, Joe Highsmith, Chris Kirk |
| 8:24 a.m. | Danny Willett, Nicolas Echavarria, Davis Thompson |
| 8:35 a.m. | Bernhard Langer, Will Zalatoris, Noah Kent (A) |
| 8:52 a.m. | Cameron Smith, J.T. Poston, Aaron Rai |
| 9:03 a.m. | Fred Couples, Harris English, Taylor Pendrith |
| 9:14 a.m. | Corey Conners, Brian Harman, Stephan Jaeger |
| 9:25 a.m. | Patrick Reed, Max Greyserman, Byeong Hun An |
| 9:36 a.m. | Robert MacIntyre, Billy Horschel, Nick Dunlap |
| 9:47 a.m. | Collin Morikawa, Joaquín Niemann, Min Woo Lee |
| 9:58 a.m. | Phil Mickelson, Jason Day, Keegan Bradley |
| 10:15 a.m. | Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Jose Luis Ballester (A) |
| 10:26 a.m. | Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, Tyrrell Hatton |
| 10:37 a.m. | Tony Finau, Maverick McNealy, Thomas Detry |
| 10:48 a.m. | Cameron Davis, Rafael Campos, Austin Eckroat |
| 10:59 a.m. | Angel Cabrera, Laurie Canter, Adam Schenk |
| 11:10 a.m. | José María Olazábal, Thriston Lawrence, Brian Campbell |
| 11:21 a.m. | Bubba Watson, Matthieu Pavon, Evan Beck (A) |
| 11:38 a.m. | Tom Hoge, Matt McCarty, Christiaan Bezuidenhout |
| 11:49 a.m. | Charl Schwartzel, Denny McCarthy, Hiroshi Tai (A) |
| 12:00 p.m. | Max Homa, Justin Rose, J.J. Spaun |
| 12:11 p.m. | Dustin Johnson, Nick Taylor, Justin Hastings (A) |
| 12:22 p.m. | Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Daniel Berger |
| 12:33 p.m. | Patrick Cantlay, Rasmus Højgaard, Matt Fitzpatrick |
| 12:50 p.m. | Brooks Koepka, Russell Henley, Sungjae Im |
| 1:01 p.m. | Adam Scott, Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland |
| 1:12 p.m. | Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, Akshay Bhatia |
| 1:23 p.m. | Hideki Matsuyama, Bryson DeChambeau, Shane Lowry |
| 1:34 p.m. | Jon Rahm, Wyndham Clark, Tommy Fleetwood |
| 1:45 p.m. | Sahith Theegala, Sepp Straka, Sam Burns |
This blend of experienced champions and rising stars ensures a vibrant and unpredictable day across Augusta’s rolling terrain.
Why Thursday Sets the Stage
The opening round often hints at what’s to come over the weekend. Legends like Jack Nicklaus, a six-time Masters winner, have long emphasized how a solid Thursday can build unstoppable momentum. For McIlroy, nailing the early holes—like the notoriously tough first, dubbed Tea Olive—could quiet skeptics and fuel his Grand Slam dream.
Historical trends back this up. Only a select few first-timers, such as Gene Sarazen in 1935 and Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979, have triumphed at Augusta, per the club’s archives. This rarity puts extra weight on experienced players like Scheffler and Rahm to seize the day.
Maximize Your Viewing Experience
Here are some handy tips to elevate your Thursday:
- Kick Off Early: Don’t miss the ceremonial start at 7:30 a.m. ET—it’s a tradition that sets the tone.
- Blend Your Options: Toggle between TV and streams to catch your preferred players or Augusta’s standout holes.
- Check Conditions: Weather forecasts suggest partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from 44°F to 76°F—perfect golf weather.
If your day’s packed, set your DVR for ESPN or catch up later via streaming replays.
Wrapping It Up
The 2025 Masters kicks off with a bang, blending tradition, talent, and technology to bring fans closer than ever to Augusta National. With flexible viewing options and a field brimming with storylines—like McIlroy’s quest and Scheffler’s defense—Round 1 is your ticket to golf’s grandest stage. So grab a drink, find your spot, and dive into the drama—the Masters is here, and it’s just getting started.
