Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson Launch Masters with Bold Moves
Filmogaz.com — AUGUSTA, Ga. The Masters opened Thursday under a blue spring sky and wispy clouds. The ceremonial first tee shots marked the start of the tournament’s 90th edition.
Three legends took the tee. Gary Player, age 90, Jack Nicklaus, 86, and Tom Watson, 76, performed the honorary starter duties. Their brief routine drew attention and a mix of applause and nervous laughter.
Ceremonial shots and moments
Player went first and sent his ball down the middle of the fairway. He celebrated the shot with an enthusiastic leg kick.
Nicklaus followed after his son, Jackie, teed the ball. He warned the patrons and then hooked a low drive toward the left side. The ball cleared the crowd by only a couple of feet.
Watson used the tee Nicklaus left in the ground. He asked permission before using it. His drive flew straight down the first fairway.
Onlookers saw a mix of humor and caution during the brief ceremony. With those strokes, the tournament was officially underway.
Tradition and succession
The honorary starter role began in 1963 with Jock Hutchinson and Fred McLeod. The concept came from club founder Bobby Jones years earlier. Over time, the duty became a cherished Masters ritual.
Eleven past champions and dignitaries have served as honorary starters. Byron Nelson, Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead performed the duty for long stretches in the 1980s and 1990s. Arnold Palmer often shared the tee box with Nicklaus and Player.
After Palmer’s death in 2016, the pair of Nicklaus and Player was expanded. Watson was invited to join them, forming the current trio that continues the role today.
Reflections from the participants
Watson recalled his first Masters as an amateur in 1970. He remembered playing early with Doug Ford and watching past honorary starters like Sarazen and Snead. The ceremony left a lasting impression.
Nicklaus recently underwent carpal tunnel surgery five or six weeks ago. He said he worried about holding the club and causing harm. He managed his tee shot without incident and joked about continuing as long as he can safely participate.
- Gary Player — 90
- Jack Nicklaus — 86
- Tom Watson — 76
On the opening day, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson Launch Masters with Bold Moves that combined playfulness and precision. The scene underscored the history and pageantry that define Augusta National.
