Memorial Tournament 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Watching Round 1

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Alright, golf fans. It’s that time of year again. The Memorial Tournament is kicking off, and if you’re like me, you want to know exactly when and where to catch all the action. No more scrambling for channels or missing crucial shots. We’re talking about Muirfield Village, a course that’s seen its fair share of drama, and Round 1 is where it all begins. This isn’t just another stop on the tour; it’s a serious test of golf, and getting the viewing details sorted is step one.This year, all eyes are on Scottie Scheffler. The guy’s been on a tear, and he’s looking to add another Memorial trophy to his collection. He’s the favorite, naturally. But let’s be real, this tournament always throws up some surprises. You’ve got the usual suspects – the McIlroys, the Thomases – all vying for that win. So, how do you make sure you don’t miss any of it? We’ve got you covered.

Catching the Action: TV and Streaming Details

So, you want to watch the Memorial Tournament on Thursday? Good. Because you’re going to need to know the schedule. It’s not always as simple as just flipping on the main sports channel. You’ve got options, and some of them start pretty damn early.For the traditionalists, the Golf Channel is your go-to for live TV coverage. They’ll be broadcasting Round 1 starting at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. That’s a solid chunk of afternoon golf to get your fill.But if you’re a hardcore fan, the kind who likes to see every single swing, you’ll want to get with the streaming game. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ is where it’s at for early coverage. We’re talking about starting bright and early at 7:45 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday. That’s when the real golf nuts tune in. Plus, they’ll have featured groups and holes, so you can follow your favorite players or just watch some epic shots unfold without interruption. And for those who want the best of both worlds, the GOLF App will be simulcasting the Golf Channel’s TV coverage. So, no excuses.Here’s the breakdown:

TV Coverage (Golf Channel): Thursday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET
Early Streaming (PGA Tour Live on ESPN+): Thursday, starting at 7:45 a.m. ET
Featured Groups/Holes (PGA Tour Live on ESPN+): Throughout the day
Simulcast (GOLF App): Live stream of Golf Channel’s TV coverage

Who’s Playing When? Round 1 Tee Times

Knowing the broadcast schedule is one thing, but knowing when your favorite players are actually teeing off is another. Muirfield Village is a big place, and they’re sending guys out in waves. This year, the first tee times are looking pretty early, so you’ll need to be on your game if you want to catch the dawn patrol.Here’s a peek at some of the early tee times for the first round. Remember, this is just a snapshot, and there are plenty more groups going out throughout the day. You can find the full list if you dig around, but this should give you a good idea of who’s starting their tournament quest when.Starting on Tee No. 1, the action gets rolling bright and early:

7:45 a.m. – Brian Campbell, Pierceson Coody
7:55 a.m. – Ryan Fox, Daniel Berger
8:05 a.m. – Jason Day, Jordan Spieth
8:15 a.m. – Billy Horschel, Sam Stevens
8:25 a.m. – J.T. Poston, Ryo Hisatsune
8:35 a.m. – Adam Scott, Alex Smalley
8:45 a.m. – Nico Echavarria, Nick Taylor
8:55 a.m. – Keegan Bradley, Corey Conners
9:10 a.m. – Andrew Novak, Hideki Matsuyama
9:20 a.m. – Chris Gotterup, Sepp Straka
9:30 a.m. – Shane Lowry, Sungjae Im
9:40 a.m. – Akshay Bhatia, Sam Burns
9:50 a.m. – Wyndham Clark, J.J. Spaun
10:00 a.m. – Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler
10:10 a.m. – Cameron Young, Tommy Fleetwood

As the day progresses, the big names start to emerge. You’ll want to keep an eye on these later tee times:

10:25 a.m. – Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas
1:35 p.m. – Aaron Rai, Scottie Scheffler

See that? Scottie Scheffler is out there in the afternoon, meaning he gets to play the course when it’s perhaps a bit more beaten up, or maybe the conditions are just right. And Rory and Justin Thomas? They’re grouped together early. That’s a pairing you won’t want to miss. It’s always interesting to see how players react to different tee times and playing partners. Some guys thrive in the early chill, others prefer the warmth of the afternoon sun.

The Scheffler Factor: Can Anyone Stop Him?

Let’s talk about Scottie Scheffler. The guy is on another planet right now. Going back to 2023, it’s pretty much been his tournament. He’s won the last two years at Muirfield Village, which is no small feat. This course demands precision, and Scheffler’s game is all about precision. He’s not just winning; he’s dominating.This season, he’s racked up seven top-5 finishes in just eleven starts. Eleven! That’s insane. He’s been a model of consistency, easily holding onto that World No. 1 ranking and leading the FedEx Cup standings. He’s been a bit quiet on the win front since January, but don’t let that fool you. He’s always in contention. He’s the betting favorite for a reason.His mission on Thursday is simple: get back into that winner’s circle. And he’s starting at a place where he’s practically owned the leaderboard. You’d have to be a fool to bet against him, but golf is a funny game. One bad bounce, one missed putt, and suddenly the door is open for someone else.

Muirfield Village: A True Test

This isn’t a course where you can just bomb it around and hope for the best. Muirfield Village, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, is a strategic masterpiece. It’s known for its immaculate conditioning, its challenging green complexes, and its demanding par-4s. You need to be dialed in with your irons and have a solid putting stroke.The fairways can be tight, and the rough can be penal. Missing the fairway often means you’re punching out or playing from a disadvantage. And those greens? They’re undulating and fast. Even the best players in the world can find themselves three-putting if they’re not careful.This is why players like Scheffler, who have such a dialed-in all-around game, tend to do so well here. It rewards thoughtful play, solid ball-striking, and nerves of steel. So, when you’re watching on Thursday, pay attention not just to the scores, but to how the players navigate the course. It’s a masterclass in professional golf strategy.

What to Expect on Day One

Round 1 is always a mix of excitement and nerves. Players are trying to get off to a good start, avoid costly mistakes, and set themselves up for the rest of the tournament. You’ll see some players come out firing, looking to make a statement early. Others will play it a bit more conservatively, focusing on finding their rhythm and hitting fairways and greens.Keep an eye on how the course is playing. Is it firm and fast? Is there any wind? These conditions can dramatically affect scores. The early starters might get the benefit of softer conditions, while the afternoon groups could face a tougher test.And then there are the groupings. The PGA Tour does a pretty good job of putting compelling groups together. Seeing rivals like McIlroy and Thomas paired up is pure gold for the fans. It adds an extra layer of intrigue to the competition.Ultimately, Round 1 of the Memorial Tournament is about laying the foundation. It’s about getting your tournament started on the right foot. For some, it’s a chance to prove they belong. For others, it’s about defending their turf. And for the rest, it’s about chasing a win that could define their season.So, grab your remote, set your alarms for those early tee times, and get ready for some serious golf. The Memorial Tournament is here, and Round 1 is going to be a show. You don’t want to miss it. For more insights into the world of golf and upcoming tournaments, check out resources like PGATour.com.