Masters Honorary Starters Tradition Returns Amid Fan Excitement
Masters Honorary Starters Tradition Returns Amid Fan Excitement...
The Masters Tournament's beloved honorary starters tradition is back in the spotlight as golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson prepare to tee off this morning at Augusta National. The ceremonial opening shots, a cherished part of Masters week, mark the official start of the 2026 tournament and have drawn heightened attention this year due to Watson's emotional return after health struggles.
The trio will hit their drives at 7:40 AM ET from the first tee, continuing a tradition dating back to 1963. This year's ceremony carries special significance as Watson, 76, makes his first appearance as an honorary starter since recovering from a serious hip injury that nearly ended his golf career. Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed all three legends are "healthy and eager" to participate.
Social media has buzzed with anticipation, with #MastersStarter trending nationwide as fans share memories of past ceremonies. Golf Channel viewership for last year's starter segment jumped 28%, reflecting growing interest in the tradition. The event also serves as a poignant reminder of golf's history, following last year's passing of Lee Elder, who broke the Masters' color barrier in 1975.
Augusta National has livestreamed the starter ceremony since 2020, attracting over 2 million viewers annually. This morning's shots will be broadcast live on ESPN and Masters.com, with CBS planning to replay the moment during their main coverage. The honorary starters typically use persimmon woods for their drives, maintaining historical authenticity.
Tournament officials note the ceremony has evolved from its origins as a functional start to becoming a symbolic bridge between golf's past and present. Recent years saw the addition of Watson (2021) and the late Arnold Palmer's final appearance (2016). Golf historians credit the starters with helping preserve the Masters' unique character amid the sport's modernization.
Fans arriving early at Augusta National today will witness golf royalty in action before the competitive rounds begin. The ceremony's enduring popularity underscores how traditions remain central to the Masters' identity, even as the tournament embraces technological advances and younger audiences.
