The question on every golf fan’s mind right now—what time does round 3 of the masters start—has a clear answer, and Saturday at Augusta National is already delivering major storylines, dramatic pairings, and high-stakes positioning heading into the final round.
Round 3 of the 2026 Masters Tournament begins at 9:31 a.m. ET on Saturday, April 11, with players teeing off in twosomes throughout the day. The final pairing, featuring leader Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns, is scheduled to go off at 2:50 p.m. ET.
If you’re planning your Saturday around “moving day” at Augusta, here’s everything you need to know—from start times and featured groups to leaderboard developments and what’s at stake.
After two rounds, the leaderboard is already shaping a potentially historic weekend—so make sure you’re watching early and staying locked in as the drama unfolds.
Table of Contents
Masters Round 3 Start Time: Full Breakdown
Saturday’s third round follows the traditional Masters format after the cut, with players paired in twosomes and teeing off from the first hole.
- First tee time: 9:31 a.m. ET
- Final pairing: 2:50 p.m. ET
- Main TV coverage window: Begins around 2:00 p.m. ET
- Streaming coverage: Available earlier in the day with featured groups and key holes
The early start allows fans to follow players who just made the cut, while the afternoon spotlight falls on the leaders battling for position heading into Sunday.
Key Pairings to Watch on Saturday
Final Pairing (2:50 p.m. ET)
- Rory McIlroy
- Sam Burns
Other Notable Groups
- Patrick Reed & Justin Rose
- Scottie Scheffler & Ludvig Åberg
- Jon Rahm & Si Woo Kim
These pairings feature a mix of major champions, rising stars, and players within striking distance of the lead. Every shot matters on Saturday, especially at Augusta National, where momentum can shift quickly.
Leaderboard Update: Who’s Leading Heading Into Round 3
Rory McIlroy enters Saturday with a commanding position after a dominant second round.
- Rory McIlroy: 12-under par
- Sam Burns & Patrick Reed: Tied for second
- Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry: Within reach
McIlroy’s six-shot lead after 36 holes is one of the largest seen at this stage of the tournament, putting him in a strong position heading into the weekend.
But Augusta National has a long history of comebacks and collapses, especially on Saturday.
Why Round 3 Matters So Much at the Masters
Saturday at Augusta is not just another round—it’s where the tournament often takes shape.
Players face mounting pressure as they try to:
- Climb the leaderboard into contention
- Protect their position near the top
- Set up a realistic chance to win on Sunday
The course conditions—firm fairways, fast greens, and tricky pin placements—make scoring unpredictable.
And then there’s Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, and 13), one of the most iconic and dangerous stretches in golf. It has decided countless Masters outcomes and will once again play a pivotal role on Saturday.
After two rounds, the pressure rises and every swing counts—stay with the action as the leaderboard shifts throughout the day.
Course Conditions and Strategy for Moving Day
Augusta National continues to challenge even the best players in the world.
What Players Must Navigate:
- Lightning-fast greens
- Strategic tee shots to avoid trouble
- Risk-reward decisions on par-5 holes
Dry and fast conditions this year are expected to make the course even more demanding, especially in the afternoon when leaders tee off.
Players chasing McIlroy will likely need aggressive strategies, while the leader may focus on consistency and avoiding mistakes.
How to Watch Round 3 of the Masters
Fans in the U.S. have multiple options to follow Saturday’s action:
- TV Broadcast: Begins around 2 p.m. ET
- Streaming: Available throughout the day, including featured groups and Amen Corner coverage
- Extended Coverage: Early morning streams begin before the main broadcast
This allows viewers to follow the tournament from the opening tee shot to the final pairing’s finish.
Full Tee Time Structure: From Morning to Afternoon
Here’s how the day unfolds:
Morning Wave (9:31 a.m. – ~11:30 a.m.)
- Players near the cut line
- Lower leaderboard positions
- Opportunity for early movers
Midday Groups (~11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
- Mid-pack contenders
- Potential breakout performances
Afternoon Leaders (~1:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.)
- Top contenders
- Final pairing drama
- Championship pressure
Storylines to Watch During Round 3
1. Can McIlroy Maintain His Lead?
Holding a significant advantage is rare—but not unbeatable at Augusta. The pressure of leading a major can change everything.
2. Who Makes a Saturday Charge?
Historically, some of the biggest Masters runs happen on Saturday. Expect at least one player to post a low round and climb into contention.
3. Amen Corner Drama
This stretch will test every contender. One mistake here can erase a player’s chances.
4. Star Power Chasing the Lead
Big names like Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm remain dangerous, even if they start the day behind.
What Makes the Masters Different on Saturday
Unlike other tournaments, the Masters builds drama throughout the weekend.
Saturday stands out because:
- The field is reduced after the cut
- Pairings create direct competition
- The leaderboard tightens—or breaks open
The atmosphere at Augusta intensifies, and every shot carries more weight.
Historical Context: Big Leads and Comebacks
A large 36-hole lead has often translated into victory—but not always.
Augusta has seen:
- Dominant wire-to-wire wins
- Stunning collapses on Saturday or Sunday
- Unexpected challengers emerging late
That’s why Round 3 remains unpredictable, even with a clear leader.
What Happens After Round 3
By the end of Saturday:
- The leaderboard will be set for the final round
- The final pairing for Sunday will be determined
- The tournament will narrow to a handful of true contenders
Sunday’s final round will then decide who claims the green jacket.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Moving Day at Augusta
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to tune into the Masters, this is it.
Round 3 combines:
- High-pressure golf
- Elite competition
- Iconic course challenges
With an early start at 9:31 a.m. ET and the leaders teeing off in the afternoon, Saturday offers a full day of must-watch action.
Whether you’re tracking every shot or tuning in for the final groups, this is where the tournament truly comes alive.
Stay locked in as the leaderboard takes shape and the race for the green jacket heats up heading into Sunday.
Join the conversation and tell us who you think will lead after Round 3.
