Quick Read
- The 2026 Masters begins Thursday at 7:25 a.m. with the traditional Honorary Starters ceremony.
- Legends Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player are confirmed to hit the opening tee shots.
- The ceremony marks the 90th edition of the tournament, emphasizing the historical continuity of Augusta National.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Azat TV) – The 90th playing of the Masters Tournament will officially commence this Thursday at 7:25 a.m., as tournament officials confirmed that golf icons Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player will serve as the honorary starters. The ceremony, held on the No. 1 tee at Augusta National Golf Club, marks a pivotal moment for the historic event, underscoring the continuity of the sport’s most revered traditions.
Honoring the Legacy of the Big Three
The participation of Watson, Nicklaus, and Player serves as a bridge between the tournament’s storied past and its modern era. Collectively, the trio boasts 11 green jackets, representing decades of dominance at Augusta. By returning to the first tee for the 90th edition of the major, they reinforce the institutional memory of the club, providing a sense of stability during a milestone celebration. Their presence is a central fixture of the opening day, setting a tone of reverence that defines the Masters experience for players and spectators alike.
The Evolution of the Honorary Tradition
While the ceremonial opening shot has become a staple of the Masters, the tradition has evolved significantly since its informal inception in 1941, when amateur Francis Ouimet hit the first ball at the request of co-founder Bobby Jones. The role was formalized in 1963 with Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod. Since then, the mantle has been passed through a select group of legends, including Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer, before the current trio assumed the responsibility. Watson joined the group in 2022, solidifying the current lineup that fans have come to associate with the start of the tournament week.
Stakes and Significance of the 90th Masters
As Augusta National celebrates the 90th anniversary of the tournament, the inclusion of these specific starters highlights the club’s dedication to preserving its heritage. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the foundational vision established by Jones and Clifford Roberts in the 1930s, when the club first emerged from a former plant nursery. With the global golf community watching, the ritual serves not merely as a start time announcement, but as an assertion of the tournament’s enduring cultural weight.
The return of Watson, Nicklaus, and Player to the first tee is a strategic move by Augusta National to anchor the 90th anniversary in the legacy of its greatest champions, ensuring that the tournament’s institutional identity remains tethered to the figures who defined its mid-century prestige.