What Time Golf Today? Tee & TV Times Explained

By Sarah Miller · August 16, 2053

If you're wondering what time golf is today, tee times typically start between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM at most courses, depending on location, weather, and tournament schedules. For televised professional events like PGA Tour tournaments, coverage usually begins around 1:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on weekends, though weekday rounds may air earlier. Always verify with your local course or check the official broadcast schedule for live events.

Understanding Today's Golf Schedule

Golf doesn't follow a single universal start time. Whether you're planning to play a round or watch a professional tournament, timing depends on several factors including geography, daylight, course policies, and broadcasting logistics.

When Do Local Golf Courses Start Tee Times?

Most public and private courses open for play between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM.
In summer months, early bird tee times can begin as early as 6:30 AM.
Southern regions with longer daylight often allow earlier starts than northern areas.
Weekend tee sheets fill up quickly; booking in advance ensures preferred times.

Professional Tournament Broadcast Times

For fans watching elite golfers compete, broadcast windows vary by network and event stage:

Preliminary rounds (Thursday–Friday): TV coverage typically runs from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET.
Weekend rounds (Saturday–Sunday): Coverage often starts earlier, around 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM ET.
Final groups in majors may tee off late afternoon for prime-time visibility.
Networks like CBS, NBC, and ESPN+ adjust schedules based on leaderboards and weather delays.

Factors That Influence Golf Start Times

Several key elements determine when golf is played or aired each day.

Weather Conditions

Rain, frost, or high winds can delay tee times. Many courses implement "frost delays," pushing back starts by an hour or more to protect turf quality.

Daylight Hours

In winter, shorter days mean compressed tee time intervals and earlier last tees—sometimes as early as 2:00 PM. In contrast, June and July allow play until 7:00 PM or later in many locations.

Tournament Logistics

Majors like The Masters or U.S. Open use staggered tee times to manage field size. Morning waves feature lower-ranked players, while top seeds and contenders play in the afternoon for maximum viewer engagement.

Tournament	Date	First Tee Time (Local)	TV Start Time (ET)	Network
PGA Championship - Round 1	May 16, 2024	7:45 AM CT	1:00 PM	ESPN
U.S. Open - Final Round	June 19, 2024	8:00 AM ET	12:00 PM	FOX
The Open Championship - Round 3	July 20, 2024	9:30 AM BST	2:00 PM	NBC
FedEx St. Jude Championship	Aug 10, 2024	7:30 AM CT	1:00 PM	CBS
Citi Championship	Oct 6, 2024	8:00 AM PT	2:00 PM	GOLF Channel

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that while morning tee times are standard across tournaments, U.S.-based events align TV coverage with Eastern Time zones, even when played in Central or Pacific regions. International events like The Open Championship often have delayed U.S. broadcasts due to time differences.

How to Find Exact Golf Times Today

To get precise information about when golf is happening today, consider these reliable sources:

PGA Tour Official Website: Offers real-time updates on tee times, pairings, and broadcast details.
Golf Channel or ESPN App: Provides live streaming and scheduling alerts.

Local Course Websites

Google Search: Typing "golf today start time" returns localized results, especially during major tournaments.

Common Questions About What Time Golf Is Today

What time does the PGA Tour start today?

Tee times for PGA Tour events usually begin between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM local time. Television coverage starts at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Thursdays and Fridays, and sometimes earlier on weekends. Check pgatour.com for live updates.

What time do they start playing at The Masters?

At Augusta National, the first group tees off around 9:00 AM local time (EDT). During practice rounds, starts are earlier. Weekend final groups typically play in the afternoon for optimal TV ratings.

Why do golf tee times change daily?

Tee times shift due to weather, daylight length, tournament format, and broadcast needs. Frost delays, rainouts, and cut lines after 36 holes all impact scheduling throughout the season.

Can I watch golf today on TV?

Yes, if there’s an active PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, or DP World Tour event. Weekday coverage is limited but weekend broadcasts are common. Use the GOLF Channel or ESPN+ app to confirm live streams and air times.

What time is the last tee time of the day?

Last tee times vary by course and season. In summer, courses may accept players until 6:00 PM or later. In winter, last tees are often around 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM to ensure completion before dark.