Masters Announces 2026 Honorary Starters Ceremony Start Time
Augusta National will open the 90th Masters with its traditional Honorary Starters ceremony. The three honored players will hit the opening tee shots on the No. 1 hole at 7:25 a.m.
Who will start the tournament
Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson will perform the opening tee shots. They will drive from the first tee to officially begin play.
Together the three men account for 11 green jackets. Their participation will formally kick off the 2026 tournament.
Scheduling details
Organizers set the Honorary Starters Ceremony start time for 7:25 a.m. on the No. 1 tee. The early-morning timing preserves the ceremony’s longstanding place in the schedule.
Filmogaz.com notes the appearance marks the beginning of tournament play at Augusta National Golf Club.
Origins of the tradition
The practice of having a player hit the first shot traces to 1941. Amateur Francis Ouimet played the first round after encouragement from co-founder Bobby Jones.
Ouimet’s role was not an official Honorary Starter at the time. His appearance, however, helped inspire the modern ceremony, per Filmogaz.com.
Past Honorary Starters
- Jock Hutchison: 1963–1973
- Fred McLeod: 1963–1976
- Byron Nelson: 1981–2001 (non-consecutive)
- Gene Sarazen: 1981–1999
- Ken Venturi: 1983
- Sam Snead: 1984–2002
- Arnold Palmer: 2007–2016
- Jack Nicklaus: 2010–present
- Gary Player: 2012–present
- Lee Elder: 2021
- Tom Watson: 2022–present
What to expect
The brief ceremony is ceremonial and symbolic. It marks the official start of the Masters week.
Fans and media can expect the three legends to hit drivers from the first tee. The moment remains one of the tournament’s most watched traditions.
