The Masters is usually six hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time, so a 12:30 p.m. EDT tee‑off shows at 6:30 p.m. SAST. Typical start windows are 6:30 p.m. for early waves and 9:30 p.m. for later waves, with the final round beginning at 6:00 p.m. SAST.
How the Masters Schedule Aligns with South African Time
The Masters is the crown jewel of the golf world, and every spring the tournament draws millions of eyes to the rolling fairways of Augusta National. For fans living in Johannesburg, Cape Town or any other South African city the biggest question is simple: when will the action appear on their screens? The answer depends on the relationship between Eastern Time in the United States and South Africa’s own time zone, which is UTC + 2 all year long.
During the months of April when the Masters is played, the United States is usually observing daylight‑saving time. That means Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) is four hours behind Coordinated Universal Time, while South Africa stays two hours ahead of UTC. The net result is a six‑hour difference between New York and Johannesburg. A tee‑off that is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. EDT therefore arrives at 6:30 p.m. South African Standard Time (SAST).
In the rare years when the tournament starts before the United States has moved its clocks forward, the gap shrinks to five hours. In those cases a 12:30 p.m. start in New York would be seen at 5:30 p.m. in South Africa. Because the exact dates of the Masters shift slightly from year to year, it is always worth confirming the current year’s time difference with a reliable world‑clock converter.
The broadcast schedule also reflects the way Augusta structures its rounds. The first two days feature two waves of players, each with its own tee‑off window. The later wave usually begins a few hours after the early wave, which pushes the South African viewing time later into the evening. By the weekend the field has been trimmed, and the television coverage often starts a little earlier, giving fans a chance to watch before dinner.
- The Masters runs in early April and aligns with U.S. Eastern Time.
- When EDT is in effect, add six hours to get South African Standard Time.
- If the tournament begins before the U.S. clock change, subtract one hour from the listed times.
- Thursday and Friday have two waves: early at 6:30 p.m., later at 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday’s early wave starts at 6:00 p.m., later at 8:30 p.m.
- Sunday’s final round runs from 6:00 p.m. to about 8:00 p.m.
- SuperSport 2 (or occasionally SuperSport 3) provides live coverage on DStv.

All of these moving parts mean there is no single “Masters time” for South Africa. Instead, viewers need to think in terms of each day’s specific start window, the current U.S. daylight‑saving status, and the channel that holds the rights in the region.
What to Expect Each Day of the Tournament
Thursday – The First Round
The tournament traditionally opens on a Thursday in early April. The early wave of competitors usually tees off at 12:30 p.m. EDT, which translates to 6:30 p.m. SAST when daylight‑saving time is in effect. The later wave follows roughly three hours later, so South African fans can expect a second start around 9:30 p.m. local time. SuperSport, the main broadcaster in South Africa, typically runs a pre‑tournament show that begins an hour before the first tee‑off, giving viewers a chance to soak up analysis and player interviews.
Friday – The Second Round
Friday’s schedule mirrors Thursday’s pattern. The early group again starts at 12:30 p.m. EDT, arriving at 6:30 p.m. SAST, while the later group begins around 3:30 p.m. EDT, which is 9:30 p.m. local time. By the end of the second round the leaderboard starts to take shape, and the broadcast often includes a mid‑round recap that highlights the leaders and any surprises that have emerged.
Add six hours to the U.S. tee‑off and you have South African viewing time.
SuperSport brings the Masters from Augusta straight to South Africa’s living rooms.
Saturday – The Third Round
Saturday is the first day when the field is cut, leaving only the top 70 players and ties to continue. Because there are fewer competitors, the television coverage can start earlier. The early wave typically begins at 12:00 p.m. EDT, which is 6:00 p.m. SAST, and the later wave follows at 2:30 p.m. EDT, arriving at 8:30 p.m. local time. This earlier start gives South African viewers a chance to watch a substantial portion of the round before bedtime, and the broadcast often features a “live leaderboard” graphic that updates in real time.
Sunday – The Final Round
The climax of the Masters arrives on Sunday, and it is the most watched day of the entire golf calendar. The leaders usually tee off at 12:00 p.m. EDT, which means a 6:00 p.m. start in South Africa. The final round can stretch well into the evening, with the tournament typically concluding around 8:00 p.m. SAST when daylight‑saving time is active. In years when the United States has not yet shifted its clocks, the finish may be as early as 7:00 p.m. SAST. The broadcast on SuperSport often includes a “final‑round wrap‑up” segment that recaps the drama, the winning putt, and the post‑tournament celebrations.

A Quick Reference for Typical Start Times
- Thursday early wave: 6:30 p.m. SAST
- Thursday later wave: 9:30 p.m. SAST
- Friday early wave: 6:30 p.m. SAST
- Friday later wave: 9:30 p.m. SAST
- Saturday early wave: 6:00 p.m. SAST
- Saturday later wave: 8:30 p.m. SAST
- Sunday final round: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. SAST
These times reflect the most common schedule when daylight‑saving time is in effect in the United States. If the Masters falls before the March clock change, subtract an hour from each listed time.
How to Catch the Action Live in South Africa
SuperSport has been the home of the Masters in South Africa for many years, and the network is part of the DStv satellite package. The dedicated Masters feed usually appears on SuperSport 2, although occasionally the coverage may be shifted to SuperSport 3 depending on other sporting commitments. The channel’s schedule runs from the first tee‑off on Thursday through to the final putt on Sunday, and it includes pre‑tournament analysis, live commentary, and post‑round highlights that give fans a complete experience.
If you prefer to stream the tournament, the SuperSport online platform offers a live feed that mirrors the television broadcast. Access requires a valid DStv subscription, but the streaming service can be viewed on smartphones, tablets, laptops and smart TVs, making it easy to watch the Masters wherever you are in the country.
- South Africa is usually six hours ahead of EDT during the Masters.
- Typical early‑wave start is 6:30 p.m. SAST, later wave around 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday start earlier at 6:00 p.m. SAST.
- SuperSport is the home broadcaster for the tournament.
- Check a world‑clock converter each year for any hour‑difference changes.
Because the tournament’s schedule can shift by an hour depending on U.S. daylight‑saving changes, it is wise to double‑check the exact start times a day or two before each round. A reliable world‑clock converter such as timeanddate.com will show the current offset between EDT and SAST, and it can also alert you to any upcoming changes.
FAQ
- What time does the Masters start in South Africa each day?
- When daylight‑saving is active in the U.S., Thursday and Friday early waves begin at 6:30 p.m. SAST and later waves at 9:30 p.m. Saturday starts at 6:00 p.m. with a later wave at 8:30 p.m., and Sunday’s final round runs from 6:00 p.m. to about 8:00 p.m.
- How does U.S. daylight‑saving time affect the schedule?
- During EDT the time difference is six hours, so you add six hours to the U.S. tee‑off. If the tournament starts before the U.S. clocks move forward, the gap shrinks to five hours and you subtract an hour from each listed South African time.
- Which channel broadcasts the Masters in South Africa?
- SuperSport carries the live feed, usually on SuperSport 2, and sometimes on SuperSport 3 if there are other sporting commitments. The channel is part of the DStv satellite package.
- Do the start times change each round?
- Yes, the early wave moves from 12:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday and Friday to 12:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday and Sunday, shifting South African times earlier by half an hour on the weekend.
- How can I confirm the exact start times for a specific year?
- Use a reliable world‑clock converter or check the official Masters schedule, because the exact dates shift slightly and the U.S. daylight‑saving status may vary.
If you are planning a viewing party, here are a few practical tips to keep the evening smooth:

- Set a reminder on your phone for the first wave’s start time each day.
- Test your streaming device a day before the tournament to avoid technical hiccups.
- Prepare snacks that are easy to eat while watching, such as finger foods or popcorn.
- Check the weather forecast for your area; a power outage could affect your ability to watch live.
- Have a backup plan like a recorded highlight reel in case you miss any of the live action.
By following these suggestions you can enjoy the Masters without missing the pivotal moments that define the tournament. Whether you are a seasoned golf fan or a newcomer eager to see the drama unfold, the combination of accurate time conversion, reliable broadcasting, and a little preparation will ensure you catch every swing, putt and celebration from Augusta National, right from the comfort of your South African home.
