How To Watch The Masters Live As Final Round Heats Up
How To Watch The Masters Live As Final Round Heats Up...
The 2026 Masters Tournament reaches its dramatic conclusion today, with millions of golf fans tuning in to watch the final round live from Augusta National. The tournament is trending as a tight leaderboard and potential historic finishes—including a rookie contender and a veteran chasing his sixth green jacket—have captivated audiences.
Coverage began at 10:00 AM ET on ESPN for early featured groups, with CBS taking over at 2:00 PM ET for the main broadcast. Streaming options include Masters.com, the Masters app, Paramount+, and ESPN+. Viewers can also follow shot-by-shot updates on the official Masters website.
The final pairing tees off at 2:40 PM ET, with overnight leader Jake Thompson holding a one-stroke advantage over three-time major winner Carlos Ortiz. Tiger Woods, making a late charge, sits four shots back and could challenge for a record-tying sixth Masters victory.
Augusta National's iconic back nine, known for producing dramatic Sunday finishes, will likely decide the tournament. Weather conditions are ideal, with sunny skies and light winds expected throughout the afternoon. Tournament officials moved tee times earlier this week to avoid potential afternoon thunderstorms.
This year's Masters has drawn particular attention due to the mix of young talent and veteran stars in contention. Thompson, a 24-year-old PGA Tour rookie, could become the first debut winner since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. Meanwhile, Woods' presence on the leaderboard has boosted viewership, with CBS reporting a 22% increase in Saturday's ratings compared to 2025.
Security remains tight at Augusta National following a protest incident during Thursday's round. Tournament organizers have implemented additional screening measures while maintaining the event's traditional atmosphere. Local authorities report no credible threats for Sunday's finale.
For cord-cutters, Masters.com offers four separate live streams covering featured groups, Amen Corner, holes 15 and 16, and the main broadcast feed. The service requires no subscription, though some platforms may require cable authentication for full access.
Golf analysts predict today's winning score will fall between 10 and 12 under par, with the course playing slightly softer than usual after overnight watering. The tournament committee kept pin placements relatively accessible for Sunday, potentially setting up birdie opportunities down the stretch.
Viewership records could fall if the final groups remain tightly bunched entering the back nine. The 2025 Masters drew an average of 12.4 million viewers for Sunday's broadcast, the highest since 2018. Sportsbooks report heavy betting action, with over $150 million in wagers placed on the tournament through legal US platforms.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley will present the green jacket to the winner shortly after the final putt drops, expected around 6:30 PM ET. The ceremony will air live on CBS and stream across all major platforms.
