When is The Masters 2026? Dates, times and how to…

When is The Masters 2026? Dates, times and how to watch on TV as Rory McIlroy defends title

The Masters returns to open the men’s major season with Rory McIlroy returning a year on from his cathartic victory to secure the grand slam.

The Irishman’s win over Justin Rose in a nail-biting play-off sets the bar high for the drama to unfold around Augusta National next week.

But after Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest and subsequent withdrawal from the field, despite an exemption as a past champion, attention now turns to the golf itself.

Scottie Scheffler has withstood a tough run of form, by his own lofty standards, while Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau have discovered something close to their top form on the LIV Golf circuit.

With excitement building to see who will be slipping on the green jacket on Sunday after four captivating rounds, here’s everything you need to know about The Masters:

When is The Masters?

The Masters takes place at Augusta National, Georgia, from 9-12 April.

Rory McIlroy slips on the green jacket after victory at The Masters (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The Masters 2026 schedule

The first round begins on Thursday, 9 April, with the first tee shot for rounds one and two likely to be hit at 12:40pm BST, with the last tee time at approximately 6:45pm BST. There will be an honorary starters ceremony from 12:30pm BST, before the first pairing steps onto the first tee.

There is a later start during the weekend for rounds three and four, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April, with the first groups due out at around 2:40-2:50pm BST, while the leaders usually head out at around 7:30-7:40pm BST.

Tee times should be released on Tuesday, 7 April, two days before the first round.

Scottie Scheffler putts out on the 15th green at Augusta National (Getty Images)

How can I watch The Masters 2026?

Fans in the UK can watch The Masters on Sky Sports, with coverage underway from 2pm BST on Thursday. Featured Group action and updates around the course are available on Sky Sports Golf until 6pm BST, when the global broadcast window opens up. That time is brought forward at the weekend, for rounds three and four, at 5pm BST.

Sky Sports+ will have live coverage of the Featured Holes/Amen Corner from 3:45pm BST on Thursday and Friday, 5pm BST on Saturday and 4:45pm BST on Sunday.

Fans can subscribe to Sky, or use Now TV with a day or month pass. Independent Sport will also have a live blog with all the latest scores, news and reaction.