A tradition unlike any other. This phrase will ring through the ears of golf fans around the world from now through Sunday. No matter how many times you hear these phrases, listen to the accentuated bird calls or just gaze at the dozens upon dozens shots of azaleas there is no denying it’s Masters season.
The annual trip to Augusta National has been underway with practice rounds since Monday. Scattered storms have already put a damper on many players attempt to get early reps in on their famously treacherous grounds. These same rain systems are likely sticking around and could make things tricky throughout this year’s tournament.
Regardless of the weather one thing is for certain, one way or another we will all wait in anticipation to see who will wear the coveted green jacket this year. From the iconic host to the featured groups there’s plenty of coverage to take in this week. To help sort it all out Last Word on Golf has your guide to the course, featured opening round groups and how to watch and listen to all the action at the 2019 Masters.
The Course
Since the Masters began in 1934, this annual event has been a measure of success for any aspiring golfer. Founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, Augusta National remains one of the most coveted places to play throughout the world. The Alister MacKenzie design currently sits at 7,768 yards in length with a par of 72.
Even casual golf fans can walk you through most of Augusta’s namesake holes and difficult areas such as the unbelievable undulations of the bentgrass greens. However, one of the major changes this year comes at the aptly named Magnolia par-4 5th hole. In 2018 Magnolia played as the 6th toughest hole at the Masters.
With a tournament average of 4.165 strokes this long anticipated change only stands to make things more difficult. The tee box has been moved back 40 yards stretching the par-4 to 495 total yards. With the move of the tee, the fairway bunkers were also relocated. In order to carry yourself out of trouble with your opening drive players will have to clear roughly 313 yards (PGA Tour average is just over 292 yards).
Even if players can keep their drive safe, their approach into the green will be no easy feat. With an already notoriously difficult course in front of them even the most veteran performers of Augusta will face something new this time around. As always, adaptability and resiliency will be two of the keys to victory at this year’s Masters.
Featured Groups
The Masters truly remains one of the elite fields in golf. Players from across the PGA, European Tour and beyond wait anxiously for their invitation to Augusta each year. With only 87 players in the field in 2019 the amount of marquee pairings over the opening rounds Thursday and Friday is perhaps the most fans will see all year.
Heading into the Masters as the odds on favorite, Rory McIlroy will look to finally close out the career Grand Slam this year at Augusta. Joining him over the first two rounds of competition will be last year’s runner-up (and another close favorite) Rickie Fowler. Joining these two heavy hitters will be the 25-year old rising Australian Cameron Smith. Smith will look to keep pace with two of the best in the world starting Thursday at 11:15 a.m. Eastern.
An unusual grouping to many golf fans will still be one of the most watched as 23-year old Haotong Li and 24-year old Jon Rahm join the always popular Tiger Woods. Li has been on the rise since his 2018 Omega Dubai Desert Classic victory while Rahm has continued his passionate rise up the World Golf ranks. Woods will look to run with the youngsters and claim his fifth green jacket beginning Thursday at 11:04 a.m. Eastern.
The last group to tee off during the opening round could provide some of the best shots come the end of 18 Thursday. Two-time U.S. Open winner Brooks Koepka makes his Masters return alongside back to back Valspar Champion Paul Casey and 2015 Masters winner Jordan Spieth. Each with their own unique skillset, these contenders will be the final three off the tee Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.
A number of other notable groups including Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose and Justin Thomas will all get their 2019 Masters started Thursday. Don’t forget to check the full list of tee times to catch your favorites around Augusta National.
Viewing and Listening Schedule
The 2019 Masters tournament kicks off with the annual Par-3 Contest Wednesday before the true tournament begins Thursday, April 11, and is scheduled to conclude Sunday, April 14. Coverage throughout the week can be found on Masters.com (featured groups, featured holes and Amen Corner viewing) as well as both radio and television broadcasts. Below are the dates, times and locations for your listening and viewing needs (all times Eastern Standard time and are subject to change).Masters Schedule
Wednesday April 10 – Annual Par-3 Contest
Masters.com 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
ESPN 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday April 11 – Round 1
Masters.com 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Sirius 208/XM 92)
ESPN 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday April 12 – Round 2
Masters.com 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Sirius 208/XM 92)
ESPN 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday April 13 – Round 3
Masters.com 11:15 a.m. to 7 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Sirius 208/XM 92)
CBS 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday April 14 – Final Round
Masters.com 10:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
PGA Tour Radio 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Sirius 208/XM 92)
CBS 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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