The Masters 2024: When it starts, how to watch, betting odds

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — The 88th Masters got underway on Thursday following a 2 1/2-hour weather delay and ceremonial tee shots from Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player down Tea Olive, the first hole at Augusta National.

Erik van Rooyen and Jake Knapp were the first golfers on the course.

They will be followed be a host of threesomes, including defending champion Jon Rahm, Nick Dunlap and Matt Fitzpatrick at 1 p.m. No. 1 Scottie Scheffler follows in the next threesome, while five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods has a late tee time at 3:54 p.m.

With a schism still separating the stars of the PGA Tour from those playing in the rival LIV Golf league, the lure of the blooming azaleas, Amen Corner and the Hogan Bridge have brought together a field of 89 vying for the green jacket.

Here is a look at what you need to know leading up to the Masters.

Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod were the first honorary starters in 1963, but it was not until Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen took over in 1981 that it became such a treasured tradition.

The rest of the field tees off following them in groups of three, which were announced Tuesday. After the second round, the top 50 players and ties make the cut for the weekend and are paired according to score for the final two rounds.

The Masters streams on its website throughout the day, and cameras highlight holes and groups. The first two rounds are broadcast on ESPN beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday. CBS has the final two rounds Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The tournament also is streamed on ESPN+, Paramount+ and Fubo+.

Scheffler, the 2022 champion and world’s No. 1 player, is the 4-1 favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. McIlroy is 10-1 to end a decadelong majors drought. Rahm is 11-1 to become the fourth player to repeat as champion. Xander Schauffele is 14-1 and 2021 champion Hideki Matsuyama and reigning PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka are 20-1. Woods is 150-1.

Of course, there are plenty of props available, too, including whether Woods makes birdie or better on the first hole (8-1) and if he and McIlroy both finish the tournament in the top 20 (9-2).

Tiger Woods warms up on the driving range during a