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The Masters: A Viewers Guide to Thursday’s Opening Round

By Richie Randolph

MAMARONECK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 20: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee during the final round of the 120th U.S. Open Championship on September 20, 2020 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
MAMARONECK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 20: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee during the final round of the 120th U.S. Open Championship on September 20, 2020 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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We are on the cusp of the 2020 Masters finally being played. We’re here to help with a first-round viewing guide.

The 2020 Masters – being held in November for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic – starts tomorrow morning. We’re all beyond excited; are you trying to figure out how to watch the action? We got you covered (note all times outlined below are Eastern Standard Time):

When does the 1st round start? 

For decades the Masters has started with a ceremonial tee shot from legends of the game (check out this piece by our own West Valentine about the tradition). This year, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will fire their tee shots into the cool autumn morning around 7:00 AM. The first tee times are at 7:30 AM.

Multiple Tee Times?

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Yes, for the first time in Masters history players will be teeing off simultaneously off both the 1st and 10th holes. This is necessitated by the lack of sunshine in November (sunset is at approximately 5:30 PM). Don’t expect this to become part of the tradition at the Masters moving forward.

How can I watch it in the morning?

While watching a normal PGA Tour event requires numerous subscriptions, the green jackets at Augusta National make it incredibly easy to follow the action. There is an app, Masters 2020, which can be downloaded on Android and IOS. The app allows you to stream the featured group and featured hole coverage. You can also stream on Masters.com (and if you’re so inclined you can see videos of every shot hit by every player). If you’re feeling frisky (and pay extra for sports streaming) you can watch via ESPN+ or CBS.com.

What are the Featured Holes and Featured Groups Tomorrow?

The Masters has so many famous holes it is hard to choose. However, for the entire week Holes 4,5,6, Amen Corner (Holes 11,12,13) and Holes 15,16 will be available as three separate ‘Featured Holes’ options. Bold viewers can setup a system of multiple devices featuring each of these streams.

Featured Groups are a staple of normal PGA Tour viewing, and with all the star power at the 2020 Masters, the groups do not disappoint. On Thursday, there will be four highlighted groups: the morning wave will feature the threesome of Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Louis Oosthuizen going off at 7:33 AM and the grouping of Tiger Woods, Shane Lowry, and Andy Ogletree (the 2019 US Amateur Champion) teeing off at 7:55 AM. Both of these groups will start on the back nine and have to contend with treacherous Amen Corner early in their rounds.

The afternoon ‘Featured Groups’ (who will be going off around 11:30 AM due to the aforementioned lack of sun) are two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson, Matthew Wolff, and Tommy Fleetwood, along with Francesco Molinari (who infamously collapsed at the 2019 Masters), Bill Horschel and Australian Cameron Smith.

Do I have to stream all day?

You can BUT the coverage will be available on television in the afternoon. ESPN will start airing the Masters at 1 PM and will continue showing the live-action until 5:30 PM (aka sundown). If you can’t make it to a TV there will be a simulcast of the ESPN coverage on Masters.com.

Who’s Going to Win the Masters?

We have no idea, and that’s part of the fun! This year features one of the deepest Masters fields in recent memory. According to the DraftKings Sportsbook, ‘Beefy Boy’ Bryson DeChambeau is the odds on favorite at +750, with Dustin Johnson seeking his first green jacket following suit at +850.  Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, and Brooks Koepka – all seeking their first Masters’ title – round out the group of favorites.

Does Tiger have a chance to repeat?

In an incredible turn, the most famous golfer of all time – who happens to be the defending champ – is not grabbing many of the headlines this week (most of them are focused on the eccentric DeChambeau). Part of that is sadly due to his play; he’s played in 6 events since the PGA Tour returned to competition with the COVID-19 pandemic, and his best finish was a T-33rd at the PGA Championship.

His most recent appearance was at the ZOZO Championship, where he finished in 72nd and a whopping 22 shots behind winner Patrick Cantlay. Throughout 2020, the Big Cat has been achy, rusty and never sniffed contention.

With all of that being said – this is Tiger Woods!

The man has won 5 green jackets and knows every nook and cranny of Augusta National. According to the DraftKings Sportsbook, he has the 18th best odds of winning at +4500; all signs point to him struggling in Georgia but there are worst bets you can make.

Anything Else? 

Next. The Masters 2020: Dustin Johnson primed to earn green jacket. dark

Nope! Sit back, relax, and get ready for the best golfing weekend of the year.

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