The Masters on TV: How to Watch Augusta National Without the Stress
The Masters Tournament is one of the best weeks in golf, but the viewing setup can still confuse people. One part of the day is on TV, another part is in streaming feeds, and the best moments can happen before the main broadcast even starts.
In this guide, we will show where The Masters on TV airs, how live TV coverage and streaming coverage work, and what changes from Thursday and Friday to the weekend. We will also cover a few simple game-plan tips and explain how a VPN like VeePN helps to stream with less issues.
Where The Masters on TV actually airs during tournament week
Let’s start with the simple version. In the US, Masters Tournament coverage is split between ESPN and CBS, with extra streaming feeds available throughout the week.
The standard flow looks like this:
- ESPN for first round and second round coverage
- CBS Sports / CBS for the third and final rounds
- Extra streams for featured groups, Amen Corner, and more across all four rounds
That is the core setup most golf fans need. Once you know this, the rest of the week is much easier to follow.
Masters Tournament coverage on ESPN and CBS
Now let’s break down the two main TV partners. This is the part most people care about first.
ESPN coverage for Thursday and Friday
ESPN coverage handles the main TV window on Thursday and Friday. ESPN and ESPN Deportes also support the early part of the week and digital streams, so if you are watching the opening rounds, this is usually your first stop. A quick thing to remember:
- Morning streams can start before the main TV broadcast
- The full TV window comes later
- So if you do not see the main show early, that is normal
This is why people sometimes think the broadcast is missing. It usually is not. They are just looking at the wrong window.
CBS Sports and final round coverage on the weekend
Weekend live TV coverage shifts to CBS Sports and CBS. This is where the biggest audience shows up, especially for moving day and the final round on Sunday. CBS also supports extra digital feeds and additional hours on streaming platforms. In practice, that means:
- TV coverage starts later than some online feeds
- Streaming gives you more golf earlier in the day
- CBS carries the main late-round drama and finish
So yes, CBS is a major part of The Masters on TV, especially when the leaderboard gets tight.
Live TV coverage and streaming coverage at Augusta National
This is what makes the Masters so fun to watch. You are not stuck with one camera feed all day.
Featured groups, Amen Corner, and extra live coverage
The tournament offers a lot of extra live coverage, including:
- featured groups
- Amen Corner
- Select hole feeds
- Range coverage
These feeds are perfect if you want more golf and less studio talk. They are also great if you are following specific players like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth, or Wyndham Clark. ESPN and CBS both highlighted these digital options in recent press release announcements.
If you work during the day, this setup helps a lot. You can put one focused feed on in the background and still follow the tournament.
Masters YouTube channel and highlights
The Masters YouTube channel is also useful for highlights and recaps. It is a good backup if you miss part of the day or want quick clips later.
Just keep in mind that highlights are not the same as watching the round live. Golf is better when you see the momentum build shot by shot.
What to watch before round one: Par 3 Contest and Wednesday coverage
Masters week starts before Thursday, and Wednesday is worth watching.
The Par 3 Contest is one of the best pre-tournament traditions. It is lighter, more relaxed, and gives fans a good feel for the week ahead. ESPN’s schedule also includes extra Wednesday coverage and build-up, so you can start early if you want the full Masters experience. This is also the best time to test your setup:
- Sign in to your app
- Check your phone, tablet, or computer
- Make sure your stream works before round one starts
A quick check on Wednesday can save you a lot of stress on Thursday.
How to watch The Masters on TV outside the US
Outside the US, coverage depends on your region. A strong example is the UK and Ireland, where Sky Sports remains the main home of the Masters Tournament and has confirmed extended rights and extra feeds. That usually means:
- Sky Sports / Golf Channel-style coverage in the TV package
- Streaming access through Sky apps or NOW
- Extra feeds like Amen Corner and featured groups
If you are in another country, check your local sports broadcaster and the official Masters schedule page before the tournament starts.
A simple viewing routine so you do not miss the Masters
The right setup is easy once you have a routine. Here is the fastest one.
1) Check the day and the type of coverage
Make sure you know if you are looking for:
- Par 3 Contest
- first round
- second round
- Weekend round coverage
Then check whether it is a TV window or a streaming feed. This avoids opening the wrong app.
2) Confirm your app or channel early
Do this 20 minutes before tee time:
- On TV, check ESPN or CBS
- On streaming, open the app and confirm your login
- If needed, update the app before the round starts
This is the easiest way to avoid missing the opening holes.
3) Keep one backup device ready
A backup mobile device helps a lot. If your TV app freezes, you can switch to a tablet or phone and keep watching while you fix it. This is especially useful on the weekend when fans all jump in at the same time.
Why shady links and fake streams are risky during major golf events
Big events always attract fake stream pages. The Masters is no exception.
If you search for “free Masters stream,” you will often see random pages with fake buttons, pop-ups, and sketchy redirects. These sites can be risky:
- The FTC has warned about malware tied to illegal streaming services.
- CISA warns users to avoid suspicious links and phishing-style pages.
The safer move is simple:
- Use official apps and broadcaster websites
- Avoid random links from chats or comments
- Leave any page that looks off immediately
Why VeePN helps when you watch The Masters on TV and online
VeePN does not replace your subscription. It helps protect your connection and makes streaming smoother, especially when you are away from home.
Encryption
VeePN encrypts your traffic on public Wi-Fi, which helps protect your app logins and payment info. This is useful in hotels, airports, cafés, and other shared networks.
Changing your IP address
When you move between Wi-Fi and mobile data, apps can behave strangely. A stable VPN connection can help reduce location-related glitches and make your streaming apps more consistent.
Kill Switch
If your connection drops, Kill Switch blocks traffic until the secure connection returns. That helps prevent accidental leaks while you are still signed in.
DNS and IPv6 leak protection
Leak protection keeps your traffic inside the VPN tunnel. This helps privacy and can also reduce weird app behavior caused by mixed routing.
Fast protocols
VeePN uses fast modern protocols like WireGuard that help keep streaming coverage stable. That matters on Sunday when the final round coverage gets busy.
Multiple devices
One VeePN account can cover your TV, phone, tablet, and computer. That gives you a flexible setup for watching and checking highlights at the same time.
Try VeePN for your next Masters week if you want a safer, easier streaming setup. We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it without long-term risk.
FAQ
In the US, The Masters on TV is usually on ESPN for Thursday and Friday, then CBS for the weekend rounds. You also get extra live coverage through streaming feeds like featured holes and groups. Discover more in this article.
It depends on your country and market. In many places, full Masters Tournament coverage is tied to paid TV or streaming partners, while free access is usually limited to clips or selected streams.
You may find some free highlights and limited digital feeds, but full coverage of the Masters usually requires official TV or streaming access. Be careful with fake “free stream” pages because they often carry scams or malware. Discover more in this article.
Yes. CBS is a major part of Masters Tournament coverage, especially the weekend and final round. It is the main TV home for the biggest moments on Saturday and Sunday. Discover more in this article.
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