Photo by Josh Smith on Unsplash Golf's physical health benefits are well documented — walking 18 holes burns 1,500+ calories, the twisting swing builds rotational strength, and fresh air and sunlight provide vitamin D. But the mental health dimensions of golf are equally compelling and underappreciated. For millions of players worldwide, golf is as much a mental wellness practice as a sport. Here's what the research and experience of regular golfers tells us. Mindfulness Without Calling It Mindfulness Golf demands moment-to-moment presence in a way that few activities can replicate. A full round of golf contains 70–100 moments where you must be completely focused on a single task — this shot, right now, with this club. The architecture of the game forces you out of past shots and future worries because inattention produces immediate consequences. This is functionally identical to mindfulness meditation practice. You're not allowed to ruminate about your bad drive on hole 3...
Round 1 of the 2026 Masters is here. The first competitive shots of the 90th Masters Tournament are being hit at Augusta National Golf Club right now. Here is every way to watch, stream, or follow Thursday's first round live — including free options, what channel it's on, and the full day schedule.
What Channel Is the Masters On Today — Thursday April 9
Amazon Prime Video: 1–3 PM ET — Early round coverage. Free with Amazon Prime membership
ESPN: 3–7:30 PM ET — Main Round 1 broadcast. On cable, satellite, or any live TV streaming service
ESPN2: 8–11 PM ET — Primetime replay of Round 1
Full Thursday Masters Live Stream Schedule (All Times ET)
8:30–10:30 AM: On the Range — Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+
8:45 AM–3:30 PM: Featured Holes 4, 5 and 6 — Masters.com, Masters App, ESPN App
9:15 AM–7:30 PM: Featured Groups — Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+, Prime Video, ESPN App, DirecTV
10:45 AM–6 PM: Amen Corner Live (holes 11, 12, 13) — Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+, Prime Video, ESPN App, DirecTV
11:45 AM–7 PM: Featured Holes 15 and 16 — Masters.com, Masters App, Paramount+, Prime Video, ESPN App, DirecTV
1–3 PM: Round 1 Early Coverage — Amazon Prime Video
1–7:30 PM: Full Round 1 Stream — Masters.com, Masters App
3–7:30 PM: Round 1 Main Broadcast — ESPN
8 AM–3 PM: Live From the Masters — Golf Channel
7:30–9:30 PM: Live From the Masters post-round — Golf Channel
How to Watch Masters Round 1 Free Today
Masters.com and the Masters App are your best free options. Create a free account at Masters.com and you get Featured Groups all day, Amen Corner live from 10:45 AM, holes 15 and 16, and the full round stream from 1–7:30 PM. This is genuinely comprehensive free coverage — you can follow every group on the course without paying a cent.
Amazon Prime Video carries the 1–3 PM early window free with any Amazon Prime membership. If you pay for Amazon Prime already, this costs you nothing. It's a new addition for 2026 and it's excellent early afternoon coverage.
CBS over the air (antenna) — not today, that's Saturday and Sunday. Today is ESPN.
How to Watch Masters Round 1 on ESPN Without Cable
ESPN is available without cable on: YouTube TV ($73/month), Hulu + Live TV ($77/month), FuboTV ($80/month), Sling TV Blue ($45/month), and DirecTV Stream ($60+/month). All offer free trials — if you're not currently subscribed to any of them, sign up for a free trial today to catch Round 1 and cancel when the tournament ends if you choose.
Masters App: The Best Way to Follow Today
Even if you're watching ESPN on TV, download the Masters App on your phone. It gives you Featured Groups so you can follow specific players all day, Amen Corner live camera, live scoring with shot-by-shot tracking, and the My Group feature to track your favorites. It's free and transforms a passive viewing experience into an active one.
Honorary Starters: Watch Free at 7:30 AM
The Honorary Starters ceremony is one of Masters week's most emotional traditions — golf legends hit ceremonial opening tee shots to begin the tournament. Watch it free on Masters.com and the Masters App starting at approximately 7:30 AM ET. No subscription required.
Key Tee Times and Groups to Watch
Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and the other marquee names will be assigned tee times in the morning and afternoon waves. Check Masters.com for the official tee time pairings — the full tee sheet is posted there and searchable by player name. Featured Groups on Masters.com will follow the most compelling player groups all day so you never miss a key shot from the top contenders.
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