The masters tee times friday schedule for the 2026 tournament is officially set, giving golf fans across the United States a clear look at when the biggest names will take the course at Augusta National for Round 2. With the field battling to make the cut, Friday’s tee times carry massive importance, shaping who advances into the weekend and who heads home early.
After an intense opening round, the second day of action brings reshuffled groups, earlier tee times for some stars, and high-pressure moments across one of golf’s most iconic courses.
If you’re planning your viewing schedule, this breakdown will help you follow every key moment and group throughout the day.
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Friday Tee Times Set the Stage for a Crucial Round
Round 2 of the Masters begins early in the morning, with the first group teeing off at 7:40 a.m. Eastern Time. The final group of the day is scheduled to start at approximately 1:56 p.m. ET, ensuring a full day of golf action at Augusta National.
Unlike later rounds, Friday still features threesomes, with players grouped strategically based on Thursday’s pairings. However, tee times flip for Round 2, meaning players who started early on Thursday will head out later on Friday, and vice versa.
This alternating format helps balance course conditions and ensures fairness across the field.
Don’t miss the biggest matchups—scroll down to see the most important tee times and featured groups for Friday’s action.
Key Friday Tee Times and Featured Groups
Several high-profile groups headline Friday’s action, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike.
Morning Wave Highlights
- 9:43 a.m. ET: Jon Rahm, Ludvig Åberg, Chris Gotterup
- 9:55 a.m. ET: Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka
- 10:19 a.m. ET: Scottie Scheffler, Gary Woodland, Robert MacIntyre
The morning wave features some of the game’s biggest names, including top-ranked players and past major champions. These early tee times often benefit from calmer wind conditions and smoother greens.
Afternoon Wave Highlights
- 1:20 p.m. ET: Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele
- 1:44 p.m. ET: Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young, Mason Howell
The afternoon wave typically faces tougher conditions, with firmer greens and shifting winds making scoring more difficult.
Why Friday Matters So Much at the Masters
Friday isn’t just another round—it’s one of the most critical days in the entire tournament.
At the end of Round 2, the field is cut to the top 50 players and ties, determining who advances to the weekend.
This means:
- Players near the cut line must fight to stay alive
- Leaders aim to build separation
- Struggling stars need a strong rebound round
The pressure on Friday often leads to dramatic swings on the leaderboard, especially during the back nine.
Course Conditions and Their Impact on Tee Times
Augusta National is known for changing conditions throughout the day, and Friday is no exception.
Morning Conditions
- Softer greens
- Less wind
- Better scoring opportunities
Afternoon Conditions
- Faster greens
- Stronger winds
- Increased difficulty
These differences make tee times especially important. A player going out early may have a scoring advantage, while those in the afternoon must navigate tougher conditions.
Top Storylines Heading Into Friday
Friday’s round is packed with compelling narratives that could shape the rest of the tournament.
Defending Champion’s Momentum
Rory McIlroy entered the tournament as the defending champion and delivered a strong opening round, putting himself in contention early.
World No. 1 in the Hunt
Scottie Scheffler remains one of the favorites, with consistent play keeping him near the top of the leaderboard.
Big Names Fighting to Recover
Several top players face pressure after slower starts, making Friday a must-watch as they attempt to climb back into contention.
How Tee Time Pairings Influence Performance
The Masters uses carefully selected pairings that often mix experienced champions with rising stars.
These groupings can influence performance in several ways:
- Pace of play can affect rhythm
- Crowd energy can boost momentum
- Competitive atmosphere can elevate performance
For fans, these pairings also create some of the most exciting viewing moments of the tournament.
How to Watch Friday’s Action
Coverage for Friday’s round begins in the early part of the day, with multiple viewing options available.
Key viewing windows include:
- Early morning streaming coverage
- Featured groups and Amen Corner coverage mid-morning
- Main broadcast airing from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET
This wide range of viewing options allows fans to follow their favorite players from the first tee shot to the final putt.
The Role of Amen Corner on Friday
One of the most iconic stretches in golf, Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, and 13), becomes even more important during Friday’s round.
Players navigating this section while trying to make the cut often face intense pressure. A single mistake can shift a player from safely inside the cut line to elimination.
This stretch has historically produced some of the most dramatic moments in Masters history, and Friday is often where those moments begin.
Comparing Thursday and Friday Tee Times
Thursday’s opening round sets the tone, but Friday’s schedule introduces a new dynamic.
Key Differences
- Tee times reverse from Round 1
- Players adjust to different course conditions
- Leaderboard pressure increases
For example, players who started late on Thursday move to earlier tee times on Friday, potentially benefiting from improved conditions.
How the Cut Line Shapes Strategy
As players approach the end of their rounds, the projected cut line becomes a major factor in decision-making.
Golfers near the line may:
- Play more aggressively to secure birdies
- Take fewer risks to avoid costly mistakes
- Adjust strategy based on leaderboard movement
This strategic tension makes Friday one of the most unpredictable and exciting days of the tournament.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere at Augusta
Friday at Augusta National brings a unique atmosphere, blending anticipation with urgency.
Crowds grow larger as the weekend approaches, and fans closely follow players battling to stay in contention. The energy builds throughout the day, especially around key holes and featured groups.
For viewers at home, the combination of live coverage, leaderboard updates, and iconic course visuals creates a compelling viewing experience.
What to Expect Moving Into the Weekend
By the end of Friday, the tournament picture becomes much clearer.
Key outcomes include:
- Finalized leaderboard heading into Saturday
- Players advancing past the cut
- Emerging contenders for the Green Jacket
The performances on Friday often set the stage for the dramatic weekend rounds that define the Masters.
Final Thoughts
The masters tee times friday schedule delivers one of the most important days in golf, combining high-stakes competition with must-watch pairings. From early morning tee shots to late afternoon drama, every moment plays a role in shaping the tournament’s outcome.
With top players spread across both waves and the cut line looming, Friday promises intensity, strategy, and unforgettable moments at Augusta National.
Don’t miss the action as it unfolds—Friday could decide who contends for the Green Jacket and who goes home early.
Which Friday group are you most excited to watch? Share your picks and stay tuned as the leaderboard takes shape at Augusta.
