Golf Legends Tee Off 90th Masters Tournament

Nicklaus, Player, and Watson to serve as Honorary Starters at Augusta National

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:52pm

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A fractured, cubist painting depicting the geometric shapes and overlapping perspectives of a golf tee shot at the Masters, with the players' silhouettes dissolving into the abstract composition.Three golfing icons unite to kick off the 90th edition of the Masters Tournament with their ceremonial tee shots.Augusta Today

Augusta National Golf Club has announced that golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson will serve as the Honorary Starters for the 90th Masters Tournament. The three players, who have a combined 11 Masters wins and 140 tournament appearances, will kick off the tournament on the first tee on Thursday morning.

Why it matters

The Honorary Starter ceremony is a longstanding tradition at the Masters, with past starters including legends like Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, and Jack Nicklaus himself. Having these three icons of the game start the tournament adds an extra layer of prestige and nostalgia to the opening of golf's most prestigious major championship.

The details

The Honorary Starter ceremony will take place at 7:25 a.m. on the first tee of Augusta National Golf Club. Nicklaus, Player, and Watson will each hit a ceremonial tee shot to officially begin the 90th edition of the Masters Tournament. Watson is a two-time Masters champion, having won the green jacket in 1977 and 1981.

  • The Honorary Starter ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2026 at 7:25 a.m.

The players

Jack Nicklaus

A golf legend with 6 Masters titles, the most of any player in history.

Gary Player

A South African golf icon who won 3 Masters championships over his Hall of Fame career.

Tom Watson

A two-time Masters winner (1977, 1981) and 15-time top 10 finisher at Augusta National.

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What they’re saying

“It's always an honor to be asked to hit the first tee shot at the Masters. I'm looking forward to joining my good friends Gary and Tom for this special tradition.”

— Jack Nicklaus

What’s next

The 90th Masters Tournament will officially begin following the Honorary Starter ceremony on Thursday morning. Play is scheduled to continue through Sunday, April 13, 2026, when the champion will be awarded the iconic green jacket.

The takeaway

The presence of these three golf legends as Honorary Starters underscores the rich history and tradition of the Masters Tournament. Their combined accomplishments and reverence within the sport make this year's opening ceremony all the more special for fans and players alike.