The 89th edition of the Masters Tournament has officially kicked off at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, bringing together the best golfers in the world for one of the sport's most prestigious events. As the sun rises on Thursday, April 10, 2025, fans are buzzing with excitement about the first round, where five Australian golfers will be vying for the coveted green jacket.
Leading the Australian charge is Cameron Smith, the 2022 British Open champion, who is set to tee off first among the Aussie contingent at 10:52 PM AEST. He will be joined by Aaron Rai and J. T. Poston in his group. Smith has proven to be a strong performer under pressure, and fans are eager to see how he handles the iconic Augusta course.
Next up is Min Woo Lee, who has been making waves on the international circuit. After securing his first PGA Tour victory at the Texas Children’s Houston Open just two weeks ago, Lee is looking to build on that momentum. He will tee off alongside world No. 2 Collin Morikawa and LIV Golf star Joaquín Niemann, promising an exciting showdown.
Adam Scott, the only Australian to have won the Masters, is also in contention. The 2013 champion is hoping to add to his legacy and will begin his quest for a second green jacket in the morning session, playing with top-10 stars Xander Schauffele and Viktor Hovland. Scott's experience and familiarity with Augusta's nuances make him a perennial favorite, despite a five-year title drought.
Jason Day rounds out the Australian lineup, grouped with American duo Keegan Bradley and three-time champion Phil Mickelson. Day's history of strong performances at major tournaments has fans hopeful for a standout showing this week.
This year, the Masters has introduced significant broadcasting changes. For the first time, Fox Sports will serve as the exclusive broadcaster for the tournament in Australia, available on Kayo Sports and Foxtel. This shift means that all four rounds will be broadcast live, allowing fans to catch every moment of the action, including the Par 3 Contest, which kicks off the festivities.
Fox Sports' coverage promises to be comprehensive, featuring insights and analysis from commentators Warren Smith and Paul Gow, both of whom will be on-site at Augusta. Gow expressed the excitement surrounding the tournament, stating, "The anticipation for this year’s Masters tournament is as big as ever. Being able to watch five Aussies take on the world’s best golfers in the world’s biggest golf tournament on Kayo Sports is special for fans back home."
Golf enthusiasts can tune into a variety of programming throughout the tournament. On Thursday, April 10, the broadcast schedule includes:
- Masters on the Range: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDT (CBS Sports Network, Paramount+)
- Welcome to the Masters: 1 PM - 3 PM EDT (ESPN)
- First Round Coverage: 3 PM - 7:30 PM EDT (ESPN)
- SportsCenter at the Masters: 7:30 PM - 8 PM EDT (ESPN)
- First Round Encore: 8 PM - 11 PM EDT (ESPN)
For those looking for even more coverage, the Masters has introduced the innovative "Every Shot, Every Hole" technology, allowing viewers to watch every shot live. Additionally, IBM Watson will provide text and audio commentary for all 20,000-plus shots shown during the tournament, making this year’s viewing experience more interactive than ever.
The Masters has a storied history, having been held annually at Augusta National since 1934. Last year, Scottie Scheffler claimed his second Masters title, overcoming a strong field that included the likes of Ludvig Åberg and Tommy Fleetwood. Scheffler is back this year, looking to become the first golfer since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back Masters titles.
As the first round unfolds, each golfer will be looking to establish themselves early in the tournament. Tee times for the first round are staggered, with the first group, featuring honorary starters Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson, set to hit the course at 7:25 AM EDT. The excitement builds as fans eagerly await the leaderboard updates and the unfolding drama of this iconic event.
The Masters is not just a test of skill; it's a marathon of mental and physical endurance. Players must navigate the challenges of Augusta’s signature holes, including the infamous Amen Corner. As the tournament progresses, the pressure will mount, and only the best will emerge to contend for the green jacket.
With a strong Australian presence and a field filled with golf's elite, the 2025 Masters promises to deliver thrilling competition and unforgettable moments. Fans around the world are ready to witness history in the making, as the quest for the green jacket begins.
As the day progresses, all eyes will be on Augusta National, where legends are made and dreams are realized. The anticipation is palpable, and the stage is set for a remarkable tournament.
