Complete Viewing Guide for 2026 Masters First Round - McIlroy's Title Defense Begins

The 2026 Masters Tournament begins Thursday, April 9th at Augusta National Golf Club, with defending champion Rory McIlroy looking to capture his second green jacket. The Northern Irishman faces strong competition as he attempts to defend his title.

Key Storylines and Contenders

McIlroy will tee off at 10:31 a.m. ET alongside Cameron Young, who arrives at Augusta fresh off his victory at the 2026 Players Championship. This pairing promises to be one of the most compelling of the opening round.

Other major contenders include World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, LIV Golf stars Bryson DeChambeau and 2023 champion Jon Rahm, plus former winner Jordan Spieth. The field is loaded with talent capable of challenging McIlroy's reign.

Complete Viewing Information

Television Coverage

- ESPN: 3:00-7:30 p.m. ET

Streaming Options

Extensive coverage begins at 7:30 a.m. ET with the honorary starters ceremony, available across multiple platforms including Masters.com, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and the ESPN App.

Featured coverage includes dedicated feeds for holes 4-6, Amen Corner (11-13), and the closing stretch (15-16), providing comprehensive tournament viewing options.