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The Elusive Tee Time: Unpacking the Chaos Behind "What Time Does Masters Start Today?" The Masters Tournament, golf’s most prestigious major, is steeped in tradition—Augusta National’s pristine fairways, the green jacket ceremony, and the hushed reverence of Amen Corner. Yet, for fans and journalists alike, one question sparks annual frustration: *What time does the Masters start today?* The answer, shrouded in secrecy and shifting variables, reveals deeper issues in sports broadcasting, fan accessibility, and the tournament’s ironclad control over its own mystique. Thesis: The Masters’ Start Time Confusion Reflects a Deliberate Strategy of Exclusivity Augusta National’s tight-lipped approach to scheduling—coupled with weather delays, split-tee starts, and fragmented TV coverage—creates unnecessary opacity. This isn’t mere logistical chaos; it’s a calculated move to preserve the tournament’s elite aura while frustrating casual viewers and even seasoned journalists. The Evidence: A Maze of Variables 1. Weather Dictates Everything
Unlike rigidly scheduled leagues like the NFL, the Masters’ start times hinge on Georgia’s volatile spring weather. Morning fog or afternoon thunderstorms can delay rounds by hours—or split them across two days. In 2023, play was suspended twice, leaving fans scrambling for updates. As *Golf Digest* noted, Augusta National rarely communicates these changes swiftly, relying on word-of-mouth among on-site reporters.
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2. Split Tees and Featured Groups
To accommodate large fields, the Masters uses "split-tee" starts (groups begin on Hole 1 *or* Hole 10). Add "featured group" broadcasts (which air earlier than main coverage), and fans must track multiple streams. ESPN’s *SportsCenter* often contradicts the Masters’ own app, sowing confusion. 3. Broadcast Blackouts and Exclusivity
Augusta National restricts live coverage until late morning, prioritizing CBS and ESPN’s tape-delayed broadcasts. As media critic Richard Deitsch observed, this "archaic" model forces fans to hunt for illegal streams or rely on cryptic Twitter updates from insiders like *The Fried Egg’s* Andy Johnson. Critical Perspectives: Tradition vs. Transparency Defenders of the Status Quo argue the Masters’ secrecy enhances its prestige.
Former chairman Billy Payne once called it "a privilege to be invited" (metaphorically extending to viewers). Traditionalists, like *Golf Channel’s* Brandel Chamblee, claim the hunt for start times mirrors golf’s "gentleman’s game" ethos—patience rewarded. Critics Counter that this exclusivity alienates younger fans. A 2022 Nielsen report found that 63% of casual viewers abandoned coverage after failing to find live starts. "It’s not mystery—it’s mismanagement," argued *The Athletic’s* Brendan Quinn, noting how Wimbledon and the U. S. Open provide real-time digital updates without sacrificing gravitas. Broader Implications: Who Controls Access? The Masters’ resistance to transparency reflects a wider sports-media power struggle. While leagues like the NBA embrace streaming (with clear schedules), Augusta National—a private club—answers to no one.
Its $1. 5 billion TV deal with CBS grants leverage, but as cord-cutting grows, the tournament risks irrelevance. Conclusion: A Tee Time for Change The question "What time does the Masters start today?" isn’t trivial—it’s symbolic. The tournament’s scheduling chaos, framed as tradition, is really about control. By obscuring access, Augusta National preserves its elitism but at a cost: alienating the next generation of fans. As sports media evolves, the Masters must choose: adapt or become a relic, beautiful but inaccessible, like a leaderboard frozen in time.
1 day ago What time does the Masters start today? The first group tees off for the second round at Augusta on Friday, April 11 at 12:40pm BST, which is 7:40am local time in Georgia. Masters.
2 days ago Honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson get it going before 7:30 a.m., and the first tee time is at 7:40. At the Masters, players start only off No. 1 (weather.
2 days ago What time does The Masters 2025 start today, Thursday, April 10, 2025? The Masters will begin the first round of the PGA golf tournament at 7:40 a.m. ET Thursday, April.
1 day ago Masters 2025 Par 3 Contest: Tee times, past winners and how to watch the one-round competition Some of the biggest names in golf will take to Augusta National a day early for the.
2 days ago Times: 3-7:30 p.m. ET (Thursday and Friday) | 2-7 p.m. ET (Saturday and Sunday) The first round of the Masters will start Thursday, April 10, and the tournament will conclude.
3 days ago Groupings and tee times for the opening round of the 89th Masters tournament, held at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler tees.
3 days ago Here's what you need to know about when the Masters starts, including how to watch and tee times: When does the Masters start? The 2025 Masters Tournament tees off.
15 hours ago On the weekend, full coverage starts at 5pm until close of play - with the Masters champion crowned on Sunday evening. Full timings are as follows Round Three, Saturday 12.
3 days ago Find the complete Masters TV schedule 2025, including round-by-round coverage, start times, and TV channels to watch the tournament live.
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