The 88th edition of the prestigious Masters Tournament commenced on Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The day began with a 2 1/2-hour weather delay, followed by the ceremonial tee shots from golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Gary Player down the iconic Tea Olive, marking the official start of the tournament.
The first golfers to hit the course were Erik van Rooyen and Jake Knapp, setting the stage for a field of 89 players competing for the coveted green jacket. Among the notable players scheduled to tee off are defending champion Jon Rahm, Nick Dunlap, Matt Fitzpatrick, Scottie Scheffler, and five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods, who has a late tee time at 3:54 p.m.
Key Details About the Masters Tournament
The Masters Tournament, known for its rich traditions and picturesque setting, features a field of top golfers vying for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport. The tournament format includes honorary starters teeing off first, followed by groups of three players. After the second round, the top 50 players and ties make the cut for the weekend rounds.
How to Watch the Masters
Golf enthusiasts can catch all the action from the Masters Tournament through various platforms. The tournament is streamed live on the Masters website, with ESPN broadcasting the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday, followed by CBS airing the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, viewers can tune in via ESPN+, Paramount+, and Fubo+ for comprehensive coverage.
Betting Odds and Players to Watch
Scottie Scheffler, the reigning champion and world No. 1 player, leads the betting odds as the 4-1 favorite to win the tournament. Other top contenders include Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, Hideki Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka, and Tiger Woods. Sportsbooks are offering a range of betting options, including prop bets on specific player performances.
Recap of Last Year's Masters Tournament
Jon Rahm emerged victorious at the 2021 Masters Tournament, becoming the fourth Spaniard to claim the green jacket. Rahm's impressive performance saw him overcoming challenging weather conditions and tough competition to secure his maiden Masters title. Notable highlights from last year's tournament included strong showings from Koepka, Spieth, and McIlroy, setting the stage for another thrilling edition of the Masters.
For more updates and coverage of the Masters Tournament, visit the official AP Golf hub at https://apnews.com/hub/golf.
