Masters Tee Times Released As Tournament Nears Climax

The 2026 Masters Tournament enters its critical weekend phase as tee times for Saturday's third round were announced Friday evening. Golf fans across the U.S. are closely tracking the schedule after a dramatic second round at Augusta National that saw several top contenders separate from the pack.

Tournament officials confirmed Tiger Woods will tee off at 1:45 PM ET alongside rising star Jordan Smith, while current leader Scottie Scheffler begins his round at 2:30 PM with closest challenger Rory McIlroy. The pairings reflect the tournament's tight leaderboard, with just four strokes separating the top eight players.

This year's Masters has drawn exceptional attention due to Woods' surprising contention and Scheffler's bid for a third green jacket. ESPN reported record-breaking streaming numbers during Friday's coverage, with peak viewership exceeding last year's figures by 18%.

Local businesses in Augusta, Georgia are preparing for increased crowds as weekend tickets become available through the tournament's resale platform. Hotel occupancy rates within 30 miles of the course have reached 98%, according to regional tourism officials.

The tee time announcement comes amid perfect weather forecasts for Saturday, with sunny skies and mild temperatures expected throughout the round. Golf analysts predict scoring opportunities will abound on Augusta's famously challenging greens.

Fans can access complete tee times through the Masters' official mobile app or website. CBS will broadcast live coverage beginning at 3 PM ET, with featured group streaming available earlier via ESPN+ and Masters.com.