Masters: How To Watch & Golf Tournament Info

The Masters and CBS – it's a broadcast partnership, you could say like, unlike any other. Keep reading for our watch guide to the renown golf tournament, including the dates for the 2026 event, and an overview of CBS's coverage history.
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What is the Masters?

Famously described as "a tradition unlike any other" by CBS Sports' Jim Nantz, the Masters is one of men's golf's four major events. (The other majors are the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship.) Among other things, the Masters is notable for extending a standing invitation to each year’s victor to compete in the event for the rest of their life.

When is the Masters?

Traditionally, the Masters Tournament is held annually in early April at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The 2025 Masters ran from April 10-April 13. The 2026 edition will be the 90th Masters.

What channel is the Masters on?

In 2025, a variety of channels and outlets provided Masters coverage and feeds. Third round and final round Masters play aired live on CBS, and streamed live on Paramount+ (various plans). CBS' history with the Masters goes back to 1956; CBS' coverage represents the longest-running sporting event broadcast on one network.

Check back here for updates on the 2026 Masters.

Who won the 2025 Masters?

Rory McIlroy won the 2025 Masters in a sudden-death playoff over Justin Rose. His victory was aired on CBS, and streamed on Paramount+. It secured McIlroy's first career green jacket, and meant McIlroy, who'd previously notched wins at the PGA, the U.S. Open and the Open Championship, had completed a career grand slam.

When was the first Masters played?

The first Masters was played in 1934, a little more than a year after Augusta National Golf Club formally opened. From 1934-1939, the tournament was known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. It's been known as the Masters Tournament since 1940.

How many rounds are there in the Masters?

The Masters is played over four rounds. Each round of 18-hole golf is completed in one day, unless a weather delay occurs, in which case, golfers may finish a postponed round early the next morning. In general, the Masters begins with roughly 100 golfers in competition. After first round and second round play is completed, the field is pared to the top 50 players, including ties, on the leader board. These are the players who are known as having made the cut. They compete in the third round and final round.

Has an amateur ever won the Masters?

No amateur has ever won the Masters. Three amateurs have come close, placing or tying for second, but it's been a while even for that feat. No amateur golfer has cracked the Top 10 since 1962, when Charles Coe, who tied for second in 1961, returned to the leader board to tie for ninth place.

Who has won the most Masters?

Jack Nicklaus, the legendary links star known as the Golden Bear, holds the record for most Masters wins, at six (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986). Tiger Woods is next in line with five Masters wins (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019).