2020 Masters: Viewer’s guide, TV times, how to watch

ESPN and CBS will televise 18 hours of live tournament coverage to highlight the fall edition this week at Augusta National Golf Club

Finally. After a 218-day delay, the 2020 Masters will be upon us. One of the most anticipated Masters not only is the first to take place in the fall but for the first time in 14 years will feature Tiger Woods as the defending champion. Remember that?

During the 83 previous editions of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, two were played in March. Every other one has been held in April. The second weekend in April had become so engrained on golf calendars that fans could set their watches to it.

After everything that has happened on and off the golf course in this year of the COVID-19 pandemic, golf fans around the world will be eager for some semblance of normalcy. The Masters comes at a time of year when TV viewers will be looking forward to the familiarity of Augusta National. This year, with a ban on spectators because of COVID safety concerns, there will be no roars, nor will there be blooming azaleas, but viewers still should expect to see plenty of green.

ESPN and CBS will provide 18 hours of live broadcast coverage. Because of CBS’ commitment to the NFL, the final round on Sunday will finish in mid-afternoon rather than near dusk. Additionally, because of fewer daylight hours, the 95 players will start from split tees (Nos. 1 and 10) for the first two rounds, before the 36-hole cut.

Other factors to consider when watching the 2020 Masters:

• Weather: The early forecast calls for temperatures in the 70s and light winds throughout the week, with the best chance of rain for Thursday’s first round, at 80 percent. For the final three tournament rounds, precipitation is forecast at 30-40 percent daily. 
  
• Course conditions: Augusta National, with a seemingly limitless budget, SubAir moisture management and an elite grounds crew, will have the course playing to its usual standards.

All things considered, this Masters likely will feel similar yet just a bit different. There will be enough tradition that regular viewers will recognize the themes, names, holes and scores. But just enough about a November Masters will be unusual to make it special.

And if a fall Masters is not your preference, remember that it’s only five more months until the 85th Masters.

Here is the broadcast schedule, including the online coverage at Masters.com:

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