The Masters Tournament, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, is one of golf's most prestigious events. As the 2025 edition tees off from April 10 to April 13, here's everything you need to know to experience it fully.
Tournament Overview
The 2025 Masters marks the 89th iteration of this esteemed tournament. A field of 96 golfers, including defending champion Scottie Scheffler and world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, will compete for the coveted green jacket. Notably, Tiger Woods will be absent due to an Achilles injury sustained earlier this year, a blow to his loyal fanbase who hoped for his return.
The Augusta National Golf Club is known for its beauty, history, and the immense pressure placed on golfers as they navigate its challenging 18-hole course. From the notorious "Amen Corner" to the sloping greens, Augusta is a place where legends are made, and this year’s tournament promises to provide plenty of memorable moments.
Broadcast and Streaming Coverage
Television Coverage:
- United States: ESPN will air the first and second rounds on Thursday and Friday, while CBS will broadcast the third and final rounds on Saturday and Sunday. The live coverage will be available from the very start, keeping viewers updated on all the action from the first tee to the final putt. Golf.com provides further details on the full TV schedule.
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Golf/Main Event holds exclusive broadcasting rights, with coverage commencing daily at 2 p.m. UK time. This includes full coverage of all four rounds and expert analysis on players and the course. TalkSport outlines more information on how UK audiences can tune in.
Streaming Options:
- Masters.com and Masters App: The official website and mobile app are fantastic for those who want to follow the action live. They offer free live streaming of select content, including featured groups and holes, starting at 7:30 a.m. ET on Thursday. The app provides a seamless experience for watching the tournament and is a great resource for up-to-the-minute updates. Golf.com has more info.
- ESPN+: ESPN+ offers comprehensive coverage, including featured groups and holes, with subscriptions priced at $12/month. It’s an excellent choice for those who want additional commentary and real-time analysis. Golf.com provides more on how to access this service.
- Paramount+: CBS’s coverage will be available on Paramount+, which offers live streams of all the Masters rounds. Subscriptions start at $5.99/month, and it's an affordable option for golf fans who prefer streaming services. ParamountPlus provides full streaming details.
Tee Times and Pairings
The tournament officially begins on Thursday, April 10, with tee times ranging from 7:40 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. EST. The first pairings are always highly anticipated, as fans wait to see the early interactions between top-ranked players and potential first-round leaders.
Some of the most notable pairings include defending champion Scottie Scheffler, world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, who can ascend to the world No. 1 ranking with a strong performance. These players have shown great consistency in the lead-up to the Masters, and all eyes will be on them as they hit Augusta’s iconic fairways and greens.
Notable early-round pairings often include golfers with similar playing styles or contrasting strengths. For example, pairing Scottie Scheffler with a player like Jon Rahm—two of the most complete golfers in the game—will provide viewers with a thrilling look at the dynamic of top-tier competition.
Key Players to Watch
Scottie Scheffler: The world No. 1 and defending champion seeks his third Masters title, aiming to join legends like Nick Faldo and Phil Mickelson with multiple victories. Scottie has been in exceptional form, dominating the PGA Tour with his all-around game. His approach to Augusta has been highly strategic, balancing precision with power. Fans and analysts are eager to see if Scheffler can continue his hot streak and defend his title.
Rory McIlroy: After a stellar start to the season, including wins at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Players Championship, McIlroy is in contention to capture his first Masters victory. Completing the career Grand Slam is the ultimate goal for McIlroy, and Augusta National remains the only major he has yet to win. His strong ball-striking and ability to handle pressure will make him one to watch in 2025.
Jon Rahm: The Spanish golfer, currently ranked No. 2, has proven himself to be one of the best players on the Tour. Rahm is known for his fiery passion and determination, which could be key ingredients to overcoming Augusta’s unique challenges. A win would cement his status as one of the game’s top players.
Notable Absences
While the 2025 Masters is a star-studded event, there are some notable absences that fans will miss. Most significantly, Tiger Woods will not be competing this year due to an Achilles tendon injury. Woods, who has won five Masters titles, has been a fan favorite for decades. His absence marks the end of an era for many golf enthusiasts.
The tournament will certainly feel different without the familiar presence of Woods, but it also opens the door for new champions to emerge.
Viewing Recommendations
To fully immerse yourself in the Masters experience, here are some viewing recommendations:
- Early Coverage: Tune in from the start to catch all the action, especially during the opening rounds. The first round of the Masters is always filled with surprises, and many golfers have made their name by performing exceptionally well on Thursday.
- Featured Groups: Follow specific groups of golfers to see their rounds in detail. Masters.com and ESPN+ offer coverage of featured groups, which allows you to watch select golfers throughout the round. This gives viewers a chance to stay focused on their favorite players.
- Amen Corner: Witness the challenges of holes 11, 12, and 13, known collectively as Amen Corner. These holes have made or broken many Masters campaigns, and the pressure at Amen Corner is unlike anything else in golf.
- Sunday Drama: The final round of the Masters is always full of drama, and with such a deep field in 2025, expect plenty of movement at the top of the leaderboard.
Interactive Features
Engage with the tournament through interactive features available on Masters.com and the Masters App. The official app allows you to follow real-time scoring, player statistics, and offers live video of select groups and holes. It’s a fantastic way to track your favorite players and monitor the leaderboard without switching between multiple screens.
Additionally, the Masters social media channels will be buzzing with updates, behind-the-scenes content, and highlight reels, giving you a complete view of the tournament from every angle.
Conclusion
The 2025 Masters promises to deliver thrilling golf, compelling storylines, and memorable moments. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the sport, there's no better time to tune in and witness history in the making. With legends like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy competing, and the unique allure of Augusta National, this year's Masters will undoubtedly be one for the books.
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