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What time does the Masters start today? How to watch and odds as Rory McIlroy bids to defend title

Scottie Scheffler the favourite and Tiger Woods absent as golf’s first major of the year begins at Augusta National

By Evening Standard

• April 09, 2026 at 10:13 AM

What time does the Masters start today? How to watch and odds as Rory McIlroy bids to defend title Photo: Evening Standard

The Masters gets underway for 2026 today as the world’s top players descend upon Augusta National once again for golf’s first major of the year.

Rory McIlroy arrives in Georgia as the reigning champion, having last year ended 14 years of strife by beating Justin Rose in a play-off to complete a career grand slam .

There will be 91 other players vying to stop McIlroy from becoming the first golfer since Tiger Woods in 2002 to claim back-to-back Masters titles.

World no1 Scottie Scheffler is the favourite to take McIlroy’s crown, while 2023 champion Jon Rahm and fellow LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau will also fancy their chances.

One to keep an eye on is Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, who arrives at Augusta having finished second at The Players before winning the Valspar Championship.

What time does the Masters 2026 start?

The Masters, held every year at the famous Augusta National in Georgia, begins today on Thursday, April 9, 2026, and runs until Sunday, April 12.

When is McIlroy playing at the Masters today?

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Practice days were held from Monday to Wednesday, including the traditional Par 3 contest on the eve of the tournament - this year won by England’s Aaron Rai.

Tee times for day one have been confirmed , with the first group beginning at 12.40pm BST across the first two days.

Following the cut, action across Saturday and Sunday will start closer to 2pm BST.

(Odds via Betfair , subject to change.)
TV channel: Coverage starts at 2pm BST on Thursday and Friday with featured groups shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf, before the full coverage starts at 6pm.

There will be dedicated channels showing the fourth, fifth and sixth holes, and also Amen Corner, the three-hole stretch from the 11th hole, on Sky Sports+ from 3.45pm.