The Masters Tournament, a cornerstone of professional golf, captivates fans worldwide with its rich history, Tee Times pristine course, and high-stakes drama. Held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, the 2025 edition, which took place from April 10-13, delivered unforgettable moments. Rory McIlroy’s historic victory, clinching the career Grand Slam in a thrilling playoff, headlined the event. This article dives deep into the tee times, pairings, and key storylines of the 2025 Masters, offering a comprehensive guide for golf enthusiasts. With the latest information, we explore the tournament’s structure, standout performances, and viewing options, ensuring you don’t miss a beat.
What Makes the Masters Tee Times So Special?
The Masters stands apart from other majors due to its intimate field, iconic venue, and meticulous organization. Tee times, the scheduled start for each golfer or group, dictate the rhythm of the tournament. Augusta National’s organizers craft these pairings strategically, balancing competitive intrigue with fan appeal. In 2025, the tee times amplified the drama, especially in the final round, where McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau’s showdown drew global attention.
Each round’s tee times reflect the tournament’s progression. Early rounds pair players based on star power and storylines, while later rounds group golfers by leaderboard position. For instance, McIlroy’s late-early draw in the opening rounds sparked debate, with analyst Paul McGinley noting it wasn’t ideal for the Northern Irishman’s rhythm. Yet, McIlroy overcame this to lead by Round 3, showcasing the unpredictability tee times can introduce.
Moreover, Augusta’s unique scheduling ensures minimal delays. The field, capped at around 95 players, allows for smooth play, with tee times spread across the morning and afternoon. This efficiency enhances the viewing experience, letting fans follow their favorite players without long waits. The 2025 Masters exemplified this, with seamless transitions between groups, keeping the focus on the golf.
Round-by-Round Breakdown of 2025 Masters Tee Times
Round 1: Setting the Stage (April 10, 2025)
The opening round of the 2025 Masters kicked off with honorary starters at 7:30 a.m. ET, a tradition that signals the tournament’s start. Featured groups, announced by Augusta National, included heavyweights like Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, teeing off at 3:15 p.m. UK time (10:15 a.m. ET) alongside Justin Thomas. McIlroy, chasing the elusive green jacket, started at 6:12 p.m. UK time (1:12 p.m. ET) with Ludvig Åberg and Akshay Bhatia, a trio brimming with potential.
Other notable pairings included Bryson DeChambeau, Hideki Matsuyama, and Shane Lowry at 1:23 p.m. ET, a group combining major champions with distinct styles. Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, and Wyndham Clark followed at 1:34 p.m. ET, blending LIV Golf and PGA Tour stars. These early tee times set a lively tone, with Justin Rose stealing the show by carding a 7-under 65 to lead after Day 1. McIlroy, however, faltered late, posting a level-par 72 after double-bogeys on holes 15 and 17, highlighting the course’s unforgiving nature.
The first round’s tee times, spread from 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET, allowed fans to catch both morning and afternoon action. Streaming coverage on ESPN+, Paramount+, and Masters.com offered featured group feeds, ensuring viewers didn’t miss a shot. Sky Sports Golf, starting at 2 p.m. UK time, provided wall-to-wall coverage, capturing every swing from Augusta’s lush fairways.
Round 2: The Fight for the Cut (April 11, 2025)
Round 2 saw players flip their tee times, with early starters from Day 1 going late and vice versa. This switch kept the competition fresh, as golfers faced different course conditions. Justin Rose, the overnight leader, teed off at 10:15 a.m. ET, aiming to maintain his one-shot advantage over DeChambeau. McIlroy, paired again with Åberg and Bhatia, started at 10:26 a.m. ET, desperate to recover from his shaky opener.
The second round’s highlight was McIlroy’s resurgence. He fired a 5-under back nine, finishing with a 66 to climb within two shots of Rose. DeChambeau, with a 68, stayed hot on Rose’s heels, setting up a blockbuster Round 3 pairing. Meanwhile, veterans like Bernhard Langer, Fred Couples, and Phil Mickelson missed the cut, with Langer’s bogey on 18 ending his Masters career one shot shy of the weekend.
Tee times ranged from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET, with the cut line at 2-over, trimming the field to 53 players. CBS Sports and ESPN+ streamed featured groups, while Masters.com offered hole-by-hole coverage of Amen Corner and holes 15 and 16. The tight schedule kept the momentum high, as fans eagerly awaited Moving Day.
Round 3: Moving Day Drama (April 12, 2025)
Saturday’s third round, dubbed Moving Day, saw players paired by score, with the lowest scorers teeing off last. Justin Rose and Bryson DeChambeau, tied at the top, started at 2:30 p.m. ET, their three U.S. Open titles adding gravitas to the pairing. McIlroy, now two shots back after his 66, teed off at 2:20 p.m. ET with Corey Conners, whose consistent play made him a dark horse.
McIlroy stole the spotlight, posting another 66 to seize a two-shot lead at 12-under. His record-breaking start, with six straight 3s, electrified Augusta. DeChambeau, with a 69, stayed within striking distance, while Rose slipped slightly but remained in contention. Other notable pairings included Tom Kim at 9:50 a.m. ET and Jordan Spieth with Joaquín Niemann at 10:00 a.m. ET, keeping fans glued to the action.
CBS’s broadcast began at 2 p.m. ET, with streaming on Paramount+ covering early groups. The tee times, starting at 9:50 a.m. and concluding at 2:30 p.m., ensured a compact day of high-stakes golf. Augusta’s idyllic conditions, with a high of 69 degrees and light winds, let players attack the course, setting up a thrilling finale.
Round 4: The Final Push (April 13, 2025)
The final round’s tee times, announced late Saturday, paired players by leaderboard position, culminating in McIlroy and DeChambeau at 2:30 p.m. ET. McIlroy, leading by two at 12-under, faced his U.S. Open rival in a duel for the green jacket. Corey Conners and Patrick Reed, four and six shots back, teed off at 2:20 p.m. ET, while Ludvig Åberg and Jason Day followed at 2:10 p.m. ET.
Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, started at 2:00 p.m. ET with Shane Lowry, seven shots off the pace but still dangerous. Earlier pairings included Hideki Matsuyama and Akshay Bhatia at 9:50 a.m. ET and Justin Thomas with Min Woo Lee at 10:00 a.m. ET, offering fans a full day of action. McIlroy’s chaotic final round, marked by a four-shot lead evaporating, led to a sudden-death playoff against Rose, who surged late. McIlroy’s birdie on the playoff hole sealed his first Masters title, completing the Grand Slam.
CBS’s coverage ran from 2-7 p.m. ET, with Paramount+ streaming from 12-2 p.m. Masters Live provided featured group and hole coverage, capturing every twist. Tee times, starting at 9:40 a.m., wrapped up with the leaders, ensuring a dramatic crescendo to the 2025 Masters.
Key Storylines Shaped by Tee Times
McIlroy’s Grand Slam Quest
McIlroy’s pursuit of the career Grand Slam dominated headlines. His late-early tee times in Rounds 1 and 2 tested his adaptability, but his 66s on Friday and Saturday showcased resilience. The final round’s 2:30 p.m. ET slot, paired with DeChambeau, amplified the pressure. McIlroy’s playoff heroics, birdieing the first extra hole, cemented his place among golf’s elite, joining legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.
DeChambeau’s Redemption Bid
Bryson DeChambeau, fresh off his 2024 U.S. Open win, aimed to conquer Augusta. His consistent play, highlighted by a 69 in Round 3, earned him the final Sunday pairing. Despite a strong start, DeChambeau stumbled late, finishing five shots back. His 1:23 p.m. ET start in Round 1 with Matsuyama and Lowry set the tone for his contender status, but McIlroy proved too tough.
Justin Rose’s Heartbreak
Justin Rose, at 44, led after Rounds 1 and 2, his 65 on Thursday a masterclass. His 10:15 a.m. ET tee time in Round 2 kept him in the hunt, but McIlroy’s surge overshadowed him. In the final round, Rose’s late charge forced a playoff, only to fall short. His 1:50 p.m. ET start with Zach Johnson on Sunday gave him a chance, but McIlroy’s clutch play prevailed.
Scheffler’s Defense Falls Short
Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, aimed for a third green jacket. His 3:15 p.m. UK time start in Round 1 signaled high expectations, but a slow start left him trailing. By Round 4, his 2:00 p.m. ET tee time with Lowry offered a slim chance, but seven shots proved too much. Scheffler’s effort underscored Augusta’s challenge, even for the game’s best.
How to Watch the Masters: TV and Streaming Guide
The 2025 Masters offered extensive viewing options, ensuring fans caught every moment. CBS and ESPN split TV coverage, with ESPN airing Rounds 1 and 2 (3-7:30 p.m. ET) and CBS handling Rounds 3 and 4 (2-7 p.m. ET). Paramount+ streamed early action from 12-2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, bridging the gap.
Streaming platforms like ESPN+, Masters.com, and the Masters app provided over 100 hours of live coverage. Featured group feeds followed stars like McIlroy and DeChambeau, while Amen Corner and holes 15 and 16 streams captured pivotal moments. Sky Sports Golf, starting at 2 p.m. UK time daily, offered UK fans record coverage, with a weekend build-up show at 3 p.m.
Masters On the Range, available on Paramount+ and Masters.com, featured player interviews and practice area analysis. CBS Sports HQ delivered 50 hours of news, keeping fans updated. Whether on TV or mobile, the 2025 Masters ensured accessibility, with tee times driving the viewing schedule.
Why Tee Times Matter for Players and Fans
Tee times influence strategy and fan engagement. Early starters face cooler temperatures and firmer greens, while late groups contend with softer conditions and larger crowds. McIlroy’s late Round 1 tee time, for example, exposed him to tougher pin placements, contributing to his double-bogeys. Conversely, his late Sunday slot allowed him to feed off the crowd’s energy.
For fans, tee times dictate viewing plans. Morning slots, like Matsuyama and Bhatia’s 9:50 a.m. ET on Sunday, suit early risers, while the 2:30 p.m. ET finale caters to prime-time audiences. Augusta’s compact schedule, with no group starting after 2:30 p.m., ensures a viewer-friendly experience, unlike sprawling majors like the U.S. Open.
Additionally, tee times shape betting and fantasy golf. Fans wagering on Fanatics Sportsbook, using code “SUBPAR,” tracked early performers like Rose to gauge odds. The dynamic leaderboard, driven by staggered starts, kept bettors engaged, with McIlroy’s late surge shifting markets.
Augusta National’s Role in Tee Time Precision
Augusta National’s meticulous planning ensures tee times run like clockwork. The course’s design, with its fast greens and strategic hazards, demands precise scheduling to avoid bottlenecks. In 2025, the field of 95 players, smaller than other majors, allowed for single-tee starts, reducing congestion. The committee’s decision to pair leaders last maximized drama, as seen in McIlroy and DeChambeau’s final-round clash.
Weather also plays a role. Augusta’s mild April climate, with highs of 69 degrees on Saturday, supported uninterrupted play. The committee monitors forecasts, adjusting tee times if needed, but 2025 saw no delays. This reliability enhances Augusta’s reputation as golf’s premier stage, with tee times as a critical cog.
FAQs About Masters Tee Times 2025
How are Masters tee times determined?
Redondo Augusta National’s committee sets tee times based on multiple factors. For Rounds 1 and 2, they create featured groups to highlight star players and compelling storylines, like McIlroy with Åberg. In Rounds 3 and 4, pairings reflect leaderboard positions, with the lowest scorers teeing off last. The process balances competitive fairness, fan interest, and logistical efficiency, ensuring smooth play across the 95-player field.
Where can I find the latest Masters tee times?
TOWIE Official tee times are available on Masters.com and the Masters app, updated daily during the tournament. Major sports websites like ESPN, CBS Sports, and PGA TOUR also publish schedules. For 2025, Golf.com and Sky Sports provided detailed pairings, with final-round times announced on April 12. Social media platforms, including X, offer real-time updates from trusted golf accounts.
Why do tee times change each round?
Nuggets’ Delight Tee times shift to reflect the tournament’s progression and course conditions. Rounds 1 and 2 alternate early and late starts to give players varied experiences, as seen with McIlroy’s late-early draw. Rounds 3 and 4 pair players by score, ensuring leaders play together, like McIlroy and DeChambeau on Sunday. This dynamic scheduling heightens competition and viewer engagement.
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