How to watch the 2026 Masters Tournament for free: where to watch, start time, schedule
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The 2026 Masters Tournament takes place at Augusta National Golf Club from April 9 to 12, opening the men's major season and commanding more attention than almost any other event on the golf calendar.
Rory McIlroy returns as defending champion after claiming his first Green Jacket in 2025, and arrives with the opportunity to become the first back-to-back Masters winner since Tiger Woods. That storyline alone makes him the central figure of the week, but the field around him is equally compelling. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is chasing a third Masters title in five years, while Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm bring additional weight to a draw already stacked with major champions.
Augusta National has a way of exposing weaknesses that other courses forgive. With a field this deep and this much on the line, the 2026 Masters is set to be one of the most closely watched tournaments of the season.
Where to watch the 2026 Masters Tournament – streaming options by country
Below is an overview of official broadcasters showing the 2026 Masters Tournament in different countries.
| Country | Streaming service | Price | Note |
| United States | Masters.com | Free | Includes all sessions (practice, qualifying, main event). |
| United States | ESPN+ / Paramount+ | From $9.99/month | Covers live tournament rounds and additional features. |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Golf | From £15/month | Full coverage of all sessions, including live and on-demand options. |
| Australia | Fox Sports / Kayo Sports | From AU$27.00/month | Includes live coverage of all sessions. |
| Canada | TSN | From CA$24.99/month | Covers all sessions live; available via TSN Direct. |
| India | FanCode | From ₹199/month | Live streaming of all sessions; available on app and website. |
| Japan | WOWOW | From ¥2,530/month | Includes live coverage of the main event and highlights. |
| Germany | Sky Deutschland | From €20/month | Full live coverage of all sessions, including practice rounds. |
How to watch the 2026 Masters Tournament for free with a VPN
The 2026 Masters Tournament will be streamed for free on the official Masters.com website in the United States. However, this platform is geo-restricted and only accessible with a US IP address. If you’re outside the US, you’ll need a VPN to enjoy the live coverage of this prestigious golf event.
- Choose a VPN. We recommend NordVPN for streaming. It has over 1,970 servers in the US, offers the NordLynx protocol for fast and stable HD streaming, and supports Smart DNS for seamless access to geo-restricted platforms like Masters.com.
- Install the VPN app. Download and install NordVPN on your device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV.
- Connect to a US server. Open the NordVPN app and select a US server to get a US IP address.
- Visit Masters.com. Go to Masters.com and access the free live stream. You may need to create a free account.
2026 Masters Tournament schedule: key dates and times
The 2026 Masters Tournament runs from Monday, April 6, to Sunday, April 12, with practice rounds starting early in the week, the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, and the main tournament rounds from Thursday through Sunday. The official Masters coverage schedule confirms the key broadcast windows for the Par 3 Contest and tournament rounds.
| Event | Date | US time (ET) | UK time (BST) | Australia time (AEST) |
| Practice rounds begin | Monday, April 6, 2026 | — | — | — |
| Par 3 Contest | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 2:00 AM (Thursday, April 9) |
| Round 1 | Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 3:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 5:00 AM (Friday, April 10) |
| Round 2 | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 3:00 PM | 8:00 PM | 5:00 AM (Saturday, April 11) |
| Round 3 | Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 4:00 AM (Sunday, April 12) |
| Final round | Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 4:00 AM (Monday, April 13) |
Why you need a VPN to watch the 2026 Masters Tournament
The 2026 Masters Tournament is one of the most anticipated events in golf, attracting viewers from around the globe. While Masters.com offers free live streaming of the tournament, this service is only available to users in the United States due to geo-restrictions. If you attempt to access the stream from outside the US, you’ll encounter a location-based error message, blocking your access.
A VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions by changing your virtual location. By connecting to a server in the US, a VPN makes it appear as though you are browsing from within the country, enabling you to access the free stream on Masters.com. This is particularly helpful for fans traveling abroad or living in regions where the tournament isn’t broadcast for free.
Additionally, using a VPN enhances your online privacy and security. When streaming on public Wi-Fi, a VPN encrypts your connection, protecting your data from potential threats. It also ensures a stable and secure connection, so you can enjoy uninterrupted coverage of the Masters Tournament. For a reliable option, check out our guide to the best VPNs for streaming.
How to watch in the United States
In the United States, the 2026 Masters Tournament will be available for free on Masters.com. This platform provides comprehensive live coverage, including practice rounds, the Par 3 Contest, and all tournament days. You can access the stream via a browser or the Masters app on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Coverage begins on April 9, 2026, at 8:00 AM ET.
For additional viewing options, ESPN+ and Paramount+ will also stream the event. ESPN+ subscriptions start at $9.99/month, while Paramount+ offers plans starting at $5.99/month. Both platforms are accessible through apps on various devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, and gaming consoles.
How to watch in the United Kingdom
UK viewers can watch the Masters Tournament on Sky Sports Golf, which provides exclusive live coverage of all sessions, including practice rounds and the main event. You can stream the tournament via the Sky Go app or Now TV. A Sky Sports subscription starts at £15/month, while a Now TV Sports Pass is available for £33.99/month. The broadcast begins on April 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM BST.
How to watch in Canada
In Canada, the Masters will be broadcast on TSN, with live streaming available through TSN Direct. Subscriptions start at CA$19.99/month. You can watch on the TSN app, website, or compatible devices like smart TVs and streaming sticks. Coverage starts on April 9, 2026, at 8:00 AM ET. Additionally, Canadian viewers can use Masters.com to access free live streaming by connecting through a VPN to a US server.
How to watch in Australia
Australian viewers can tune in to the Masters on Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. Fox Sports is available via Foxtel, with packages starting at AU$25/month. Kayo Sports offers a Basic plan for AU$25/month, providing live and on-demand streaming. Both platforms are accessible on smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile apps. Coverage begins on April 9, 2026, at 10:00 PM AEST. Free streaming is also available on 9Now.
How to watch the 2026 Masters Tournament – detailed VPN guide
The 2026 Masters Tournament, scheduled from April 9–12, 2026, is one of the most prestigious golf events. If you’re outside the US and want to access the free live stream on Masters.com, a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions. Follow this step-by-step guide to stream the tournament seamlessly.
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Choose a VPN with servers in the US. Select a VPN with a strong server presence in the US to access the free stream on Masters.com. Providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark are excellent options for streaming. For instance, NordVPN offers over 3,381+ servers in the US, ensuring fast and reliable connections. Look for features like Smart DNS or protocols such as NordLynx or WireGuard, which optimize streaming performance and reduce buffering.
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Install the VPN app on your device. Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device. Most VPNs support platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and streaming devices such as Fire TV Stick. For the best experience, consider using a smart TV or laptop connected to a larger screen. Follow the installation instructions provided by the VPN provider to set up the app.
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Connect to a server in the US. Open the VPN app and connect to a server located in the US. This will assign you a US IP address, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions on Masters.com. If the stream doesn’t load, try switching to another US server to resolve the issue.
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Open the official streaming platform. Visit Masters.com using your browser or the Masters app. To avoid potential issues, use incognito mode and clear your browser cache before accessing the site. You don’t need to create an account to watch the free live stream, but ensure your VPN remains active throughout your session.
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Start streaming. Enjoy live coverage of the 2026 Masters Tournament, including featured groups, Amen Corner, and more. Keep your VPN active to maintain access to the stream.
Top 3 recommended VPNs for streaming
- NordVPN – it is a top choice for streaming, starting at $3.49/month. It offers over 9,500 servers in 149 countries, providing excellent global coverage. Our tests showed an 80% speed retention, ensuring smooth HD and 4K streaming. The SmartPlay feature easily unblocks platforms like Netflix and Hulu, while the NordLynx protocol enhances speed and security. Compatible with all major devices, NordVPN also excels in privacy with its strict no-logs policy.
- Surfshark – is an affordable option, starting at $2.49/month. It has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, offering reliable access to geo-restricted content. Speed retention is around 82%, making it great for uninterrupted streaming. Features like Smart DNS and the WireGuard protocol optimize performance, while unlimited device connections make it ideal for families. Surfshark also includes CleanWeb, which blocks ads and trackers.
- Proton VPN – combines strong privacy with solid streaming capabilities, starting at $2.99/month. It operates over 20,300 servers in 148 countries, with a 75% speed retention in our tests. Its Secure Core servers and Swiss jurisdiction ensure excellent privacy. Proton VPN unblocks major platforms like Netflix and offers a free plan with limited features. It supports all major devices and includes NetShield for ad-blocking.
