The Masters Tournament marks the official start of the spring golf season and captures attention worldwide each spring. Many golfers and fans track when does Masters start to plan viewing, travel, and their own practice routines around this major championship.
Below is a structured overview of key timelines, eligibility, and broadcast details to help you quickly grasp when the event runs and how to follow every moment.
| Event Phase | Typical Dates | Duration | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | Thursday after the first full week of April | One day | Play starts early and often finishes by early evening local time |
| Second Round | Friday after the first full week of April | One day | Cuts to top 50 and ties after 36 holes; practice rounds begin earlier |
| Third Round | Saturday after the first full week of April | One day | Players tee off in scoring order based on 36-hole position |
| Final Round | Sunday after the first full week of April | One day | Winner is crowned; typically wraps in late afternoon |
2024 Masters Start Date and Month Context
Scheduled Tee Time Windows
Historically, the tournament occurs during the first full week of April, with the first tee time on Thursday. In 2024, the Masters began on Thursday, April 11, which aligned with the traditional early-April window that frames the start of golf’s major championship season.
Eligibility, Field Size, and Entry Criteria
Who Qualifies and How Spots Are Filled
The field is limited to roughly 90 players who earn their spot through past championship wins, current season performance, and special invitations. Understanding these criteria helps explain why certain names appear on the leaderboard when the tournament starts each spring.
Course Setup and Daily Schedule Details
Weather, Starting Times, and Pin Position Trends
At Augusta National, course setup and daily start times can shift based on weather and green conditions. Organizers balance tradition with playability, often releasing tee times in the early morning to ensure competitive conditions when the Masters starts its rounds.
Broadcast Windows, Streaming, and Viewing Options
Television Windows and Live Coverage Platforms
Global audiences rely on a combination of cable networks and streaming services to watch every hole. The broadcast schedule is designed to align with each round of play, so viewers can follow the action live from the first tee through the final putt.
Key Takeaways and Planning Tips
- Mark your calendar for Thursday in the first full week of April as the Masters start.
- Plan viewing around a four-day schedule from Thursday through Sunday.
- Check eligibility requirements if you are interested in field selection or invitations.
- Monitor weather and course updates that can affect tee times and round order.
- Use official broadcast and streaming options to follow every hole live.
FAQ
Reader questions
On which day does the Masters Tournament begin each year?
The Masters Tournament begins on Thursday, which is the first day of competition in the first full week of April.
How long does the Masters Tournament last from start to finish?
The tournament spans four consecutive days, with one round played each day from Thursday through Sunday.
What time do the first tee times typically occur during the Masters start?
First tee times generally occur in the early morning, around 6:30 to 7:00 AM local time, to finish play under ideal lighting and weather conditions.
Can amateur players attend or play alongside professionals when the Masters starts?
Amateurs may practice on the course prior to the event and participate in certain promotional events, but they do not play competitive rounds alongside professionals during the official tournament dates.