Masters Honorary Starters Tradition Returns With Golf Legends

Masters Honorary Starters Tradition Returns With Golf Legends...

The Masters Tournament's cherished honorary starters tradition resumed Thursday morning at Augusta National, with golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson teeing off to officially open the 2026 event. The ceremonial first shots mark the continuation of a 63-year tradition that was briefly interrupted by weather delays earlier in the week.

Thousands of patrons gathered around the first tee at 7:40 AM ET to witness the iconic moment, which was broadcast live on ESPN. The 86-year-old Player, 76-year-old Watson, and 86-year-old Nicklaus each hit drives down the fairway to thunderous applause from the Augusta crowd.

This year's ceremony holds special significance as it marks Watson's first appearance as an honorary starter. The eight-time major champion joins the tradition following last year's retirement of Lee Elder, who broke barriers as the first Black golfer to compete in the Masters in 1975.

The honorary starters tradition dates back to 1963 when Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod first performed the duty. Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley called the ceremony "a sacred part of Masters week" during Wednesday's press conference.

Golf fans across social media platforms have been sharing clips of the emotional moment, with #MastersStarters trending on Twitter Thursday morning. The ceremony's return comes as ticket prices for Thursday's competition rounds reached record highs, with some secondary market passes selling for over $2,500.

Weather-permitting, the honorary starters will repeat the ceremony Friday morning before competitive play begins. The Masters continues through Sunday when the 2026 champion will receive the coveted green jacket.