Watch: Honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson tee off 2026 Masters Tournament
· Yahoo Sports
April 9 (UPI) -- Golf icons Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson teed off the 90th Masters Tournament with the Honorary Starters ceremony Thursday in Augusta, Ga.
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The longstanding tradition, which dates back to 1963, took place on hole No. 1 at Augusta National Golf Club, just before the 91-man field for the 2026 tournament was set to tee off the first major of the season.
"Good morning, my name is Fred Ridley," the Augusta chairman said to the gallery. "On behalf of the membership of Augusta National Golf Club, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 90th playing of the Masters."
Nicklaus, Player and Watson won a combined 11 green jackets over 140 Masters appearances. The Hall of Famers totaled 35 major championships, with Nicklaus owning more than half of those trophies.
Golf legend Gary Player performs his signature kick after teeing off during the Honorary Starters ceremony at the 2026 Masters Tournament on Thursday in Augusta, Ga. Photo by John Angelillo/UPIThe 90th Masters Tournament begins with ceremonial tee shots from Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson. #themastershttps://t.co/5WMvw0UeKz— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2026
Player, 90, sported a black sweater and white cap as he teed up. The three-time Masters champion smacked the first drive and performed his signature leg kick in celebration.
Golf icons Tom Watson (L), Jack Nicklaus (C) and Gary Player (R) pose with Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley (green jacket) and caddies before teeing off the Honorary Starters ceremony 2026 Masters Tournament on Thursday in Augusta, Ga. Photo by John Angelillo/UPINicklaus, who won six of his record 18 major titles at Augusta, donned a bright yellow Masters branded sweater. His ball was already teed up.
"Oh boy, watch out," Nicklaus, 86, said to the crowd. "I don't mean that facetiously."
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus (R) greets Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during the Honorary Starters ceremony at the 2026 Masters Tournament on Thursday in Augusta, Ga. Photo by John Angelillo/UPINicklaus laughed off his drive and attempted to bend down to pick up his tee. He quickly gave up on that idea and walked back to the crowd.
Watson, who won two of his eight major titles at Augusta, teed off last. The 76-year-old joked with Nicklaus about using his tee before pulling it out and pushing his own into the ground.
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus arrives for the Honorary Starters ceremony at the 2026 Masters Tournament on Thursday in Augusta, Ga. Photo by John Angelillo/UPIHe then calmly drove his shot to conclude the ceremony.
"Ladies and gentleman, the 2026 Masters is now officially underway," Ridley said. "Enjoy the tournament."
Name tags for the Honorary Starters ceremony are placed in a sign at the 2026 Masters Tournament on Thursday in Augusta, Ga. Photo by John Angelillo/UPINicklaus, Player and Watson took part in the event for the fifth-consecutive year. Nicklaus and Player shared the honor for the 15th time. Nicklaus participated for the 17th time, dating back to 2010, when he shared the moment with Arnold Palmer.
John Keefer and Haotong Li, who are in Group 1 and teed off official play, each made par on hole No. 1. The first hole, dubbed Tea Olive, is a 445-yard Par 4.