As the countdown to one of golf's most prestigious tournaments begins, all eyes are on Augusta National Golf Club as the 2025 Masters is set to tee off on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler aims to secure his third green jacket in four years, but he will face fierce competition from the likes of Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Bryson DeChambeau. With anticipation building, here's everything you need to know about this year’s Masters, including tee times, broadcast details, and notable absences.
The Masters officially kicks off at 7:30 a.m. ET on April 10, with the honorary starters—golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson—taking the first tee shots. The first group of players will follow shortly after, with Davis Riley and Patton Kizzire hitting the course at 7:40 a.m. ET. The tournament will continue with the second round on Friday, April 11, the third round on Saturday, April 12, and conclude with the final round on Sunday, April 13.
For fans eager to catch all the action, television coverage will be provided by ESPN and CBS. The first-round telecast will air from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, while CBS will take over for the final rounds. Additionally, viewers can access live coverage of featured groups and holes through Masters.com, the Masters app, and various streaming platforms.
As the tournament approaches, the excitement surrounding the tee times has intensified. The complete list for the first round includes notable pairings such as:
- 7:40 a.m.: Davis Riley, Patton Kizzire
- 9:47 a.m.: Collin Morikawa, Joaquin Niemann, Min Woo Lee
- 10:15 a.m.: Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Jose Luis Ballester
- 1:12 p.m.: Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, Akshay Bhatia
- 1:23 p.m.: Hideki Matsuyama, Bryson DeChambeau, Shane Lowry
Despite the excitement, the tournament will be missing a significant figure: Tiger Woods. The golf icon will not be participating in the 2025 Masters due to a ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered in March, which required surgery. Woods had teased fans on April 1 about his potential participation, only to reveal it was an April Fools' joke, stating, "P.S. April Fools my Achilles is still a mess :)"
Among the competitors, the presence of LIV golfers will be notable, with 12 players from the controversial league taking part in the Masters. Bryson DeChambeau leads this group, having previously finished sixth in the tournament in 2024. Other LIV players include Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Brooks Koepka, all of whom have previously claimed the coveted green jacket.
The Masters is known for its rich history and traditions, including the honorary starters who have been a part of the tournament since 1941. This year, Nicklaus, Player, and Watson will continue this legacy by hitting the ceremonial first shots, a moment that never fails to evoke nostalgia among golf fans.
As for the venue, the Masters remains steadfastly located at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, a site that has hosted the tournament since its inception in 1934. The course, with a par of 72, is renowned for its stunning beauty and challenging layout, making it a favorite among players and spectators alike.
In terms of betting odds, Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as the favorite with +450 odds, while Rory McIlroy follows closely behind at +650. Other notable contenders include Collin Morikawa at 14-1, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm both at 16-1, and Brooks Koepka at 30-1.
As the weather plays a crucial role in the tournament's proceedings, Augusta experienced storms on Monday, April 7, leading to the closure of the course. However, the forecast for the tournament looks promising, with Thursday expected to be partly cloudy and a high around 76 degrees. A 60% chance of rain is predicted for Thursday night, but organizers aim to complete the first round ahead of any potential weather disruptions.
Five amateurs will also be competing in the 2025 Masters: Jose Luis Ballester, Evan Beck, Justin Hastings, Noah Kent, and Hiroshi Tai. Kent will be the first amateur to tee off, scheduled to start at 8:35 a.m. alongside Bernhard Langer and Will Zalatoris.
With the Masters just around the corner, golf enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for an exciting week filled with thrilling competition, rich tradition, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the 2025 Masters promises to deliver a spectacle that showcases the very best of the sport.
As the world of golf prepares to descend upon Augusta, the anticipation is palpable. Will Scottie Scheffler defend his title? Can Rory McIlroy finally break his major drought? The answers await as the first round begins on April 10, and the race for the green jacket commences.
