Three of golf’s greatest champions will officially commence the 90th Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson are set to hit the ceremonial first tee shots at 7:25 a.m. ET, continuing a cherished tournament tradition. This marks the fifth consecutive year the legendary trio has performed the role together, honoring the past while signaling the start of competition for the current field.
A Trio of Champions Reunites for Tradition
The honorary starter ceremony is a time-honored Masters ritual dating to 1963. Jack Nicklaus, a six-time Masters winner, will make his 17th appearance in the role. Three-time champion Gary Player will serve for the 15th time. Two-time winner Tom Watson, who joined the ceremony in 2022, will participate for the fifth time. Their collective presence underscores the deep historical roots of the season’s first major championship.
Ceremony Precedes Competitive Play
The ceremonial shots from the legends will occur just 25 minutes before the first competitive group tees off at 7:50 a.m. ET. That group is scheduled to feature professionals John Keefer and Haotong Li. The sequence ensures a seamless transition from the pageantry of the past to the intense pressure of the present, as the world’s top golfers begin their quest for the Green Jacket.
Legacy and Pageantry Define Masters Opening
The involvement of Nicklaus, Player, and Watson connects multiple generations of golf fans to the tournament’s storied legacy. Their repeated participation has become a stable and revered element of Masters week, offering a moment of reflection on the game’s history before the drama of the modern competition unfolds.
Conclusion:
The announcement solidifies a beloved pre-tournament tradition for the landmark 90th Masters. The sight of these three icons on the first tee remains a powerful symbol of the tournament’s respect for its history and champions, setting a dignified tone for the championship to follow.
