The Masters: When it starts, how to watch, betting odds for golf’s first major of 2024

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Action has resumed Friday at Augusta National with power hitter Bryson DeChambeau leading the Masters.

The morning began with 27 players, including five-time champion Tiger Woods, still needing to complete the first round, while second round play is underway for others. The Masters was delayed by 2 1/2 hours because of rain on Thursday.

There is no precipitation in the forecast for Friday, although wind gusts could reach up to 20-25 mph.

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.

That field will be trimmed to 50 (including ties) after the second round.

Here is a look at what you need to know on Day 2 of the Masters.

WHEN IS THE MASTERS?

Play resumed on Friday at 7:50 a.m. with nine threesomes finishing their first round on the back nine. The second round began at 8:00 a.m. on the front nine.

HOW CAN I WATCH THE MASTERS?

The Masters streams on its website throughout the day, and cameras highlight holes and groups.

ESPN’s live coverage resumed Friday morning with the completion of the first round. Second round coverage on ESPN will continue from 3 to 7 p.m.

CBS will broadcast 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+.

WHO SHOULD I WATCH AT THE MASTERS?

Scottie Scheffler, the pre-tournament favorite and world No. 1 player, is well positioned on the leaderboard to make a run at his second Masters title in three years after an impressive opening round 66 amid 45 mph winds. The 2022 champion will tee off at 1:48 p.m. local time, alongside world No. 2 Rory McIlroy, who is looking to complete a career Grand Slam. McIlroy shot 71 on Thursday and is feeling good about his chances.

Scheffler won the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the second time in March, became the first ever to defend his title at The Players Championship a week later and tied for second at the Houston Open a couple of weeks ago.

Jon Rahm has some to work do if he hopes to defend his Masters title. He had four bogeys on the back nine Thursday and carded a 73, leaving him eight shots behind DeChambeau.

Woods, who was an impressive 1 under through 13 holes on Thursday before darkness ended play, will begin his second round at 10:18 a.m. after a short break following the completion of his first round. The 48-year-old Woods will play 23 holes on Friday, which could take a physical toll on his body.

WHAT ARE THE BETTING ODDS FOR THE MASTERS?

Scheffler was the overwhelming favorite to win the Masters coming into the week and those odds only improved after his bogey-free first round. He is now a 5-4 favorite to win the tournament, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

DeChambeau’s odds have improved to 11-2, with Max Homa now third at 16-1. McIlroy has seen his odds drop from 10-1 to 18-1 and Rahm now faces 60-1 odds to win.

Woods, who played 13 holes in 1-under par on Thursday, is now listed at 90-1 after starting the tournament as a 150-1 underdog.

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR AT THE MASTERS?

Rahm persevered last year to become the fourth Spaniard to win the Masters. He shared the first-round lead with Brooks Koepka and Viktor Hovland, then stayed in contention during a second round twice suspended because of approaching thunderstorms and halted when three towering pines fell near the 17th tee.

Torrential rain caused play Saturday to be suspended, too, and Rahm resumed Sunday four strokes off Koepka’s lead. But he halved the deficit by the end of the third round, and Rahm’s final-round 69 put him four shots clear of the fading Koepka and fan favorite Phil Mickelson, whose closing 65 at the age of 52 made him the oldest player to finish in the top five.

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