2023 US Masters Tee Times

The US Masters stands as one of golf's elite tournaments, kicking off this Thursday at the renowned Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. It's celebrated for its storied history, distinctive traditions, and the demanding nature of its course.

The timing of play, or tee times, is critical in the US Masters as it dictates the schedule and pairings for each round of golf. Thoughtfully designed, this schedule seeks to optimize viewer engagement and heighten the competitive atmosphere.

Those teeing off early sometimes find themselves at an advantage, as they set the tournament's rhythm while enjoying calmer conditions. Conversely, those with later starts might capitalize on evolving course situations and can adapt their tactics.

Tee times influence players' strategies and how they prepare, including their practice routines and course scouting. Adjusting one's game plan in response to both timing and course conditions becomes vital.

US Masters Tee Times Thursday

Highly favored Rory McIlroy starts his round at 18:48 BST on Thursday, hitting the course with Sam Burns from the US and Tom Kim from South Korea, following the footsteps of Scottie Scheffler, the 2022 champion.

Here's the complete list of tee times for the US Masters on Thursday.

US Masters Tee Times Friday

The US Masters Course & Tee Off Times

Since 1934, the Augusta National Golf Club has been the traditional stage for the US Masters. Crafted by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie, this course is celebrated for its intricate design, topped with tricky fairways, speedy greens, and numerous dangerous elements that challenge players at every turn.

The course is segmented into three parts, each offering its own set of features. The front nine tends to be kinder with shorter holes interspersed with curves and uphill shots. The back nine ups the ante, characterized by longer stretches requiring precise and powerful strokes. Lastly, the notorious ‘Amen Corner’, encompassing holes 11 to 13, is often deemed the toughest challenge the course has to offer.

The design of Augusta National plays a significant role in the timing of tee offs. Players lined up for early or late starts might experience diverse on-course conditions. Morning tee offs, for instance, could face dew that influences how the ball flies, demanding strategy shifts. Meanwhile, the afternoon typically brings breezier conditions, especially challenging on certain holes.

Some particularly tough challenges at Augusta National are found in the following holes:

• Hole 11 : A substantial par-4 hole stretching 520 yards, calling for accuracy in driving to avoid a pond and surrounding trees. Bunkers and a sharp slope on the green add to the difficulty of maintaining position.
• Hole 12 : This renowned par-3 stands at just 155 yards. It's notably tricky due to water hazards around the green and turbulent winds that complicate secure landings.
• Hole 13 : A par-5 of 545 yards, demanding players to traverse a narrow slanting fairway. The green is encircled by bunkers and a creek, challenging ambitious attempts to reach it in fewer shots.

Tee times shape how players tackle these holes, as changing conditions affect approaches throughout the day. Players starting earlier might encounter less wind on the back holes, while those teeing off later could battle gusts that sway their strategies.

Strategies for Preparing for the Build-Up to the First Tee at the Masters

Getting ready for playing at Augusta National involves detail-oriented planning. Competitors typically devote weeks or months to familiarizing themselves with the course and crafting strategies that align with the individual demands of each hole. Key preparation elements include:

Pre-Tee Off Warm-Ups : Golfers generally follow a set warm-up routine prior to hitting the tee. It often involves hitting practice balls, refining putting skills, and engaging in flexibility-enhancing stretches.

Course Reconnaissance : Players often explore the course with their caddies ahead of tournaments, cataloging items such as bunker locations, sloping greens, and fairway speeds, which inform tactical decisions.

Mindfulness and Nerve Management : Approaching the tee at Augusta can daunt even seasoned competitors. Many utilize mental conditioning, like visualization or meditation, to stay calm and focused.

Responsive Adaptations to Conditions : Tee times heavily influence course conditions, necessitating adaptive game plans. Morning starts may face moist and dewy grounds, impacting ball movement and shot choices.