2026 Masters Opens with Honorary Starters' Tee Shots

The 2026 Masters Tournament began Thursday morning at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, as golf legends Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson struck ceremonial opening tee shots to kick off the 90th edition of the event under clear skies and temperatures in the low 50s.

Player, the 90-year-old South African and three-time Masters champion, stepped up first and drove his ball straight down the fairway, punctuating the shot with his signature leg kick. Nicklaus, 86 and marking the 40th anniversary of his record sixth victory at the course in 1986, followed with a humorous warning to spectators lining the tee box. "Oh, boy, watch out, and I don't mean that facetiously," he said before sending a low hook toward the crowd on the left side. Watson, 76 and a two-time winner, wrapped up the trio by borrowing Nicklaus's tee for a solid drive down the middle. Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley then declared the tournament underway, drawing applause from the gathered patrons.

The honorary starters tradition, dating to 1963, honors past champions and has featured figures like Arnold Palmer and Byron Nelson over the decades. Player has participated annually since 2012,...