Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam Named 2026 Masters Honorary Starters
Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam Named 2026 Masters Honorary Starters...
Golf legends Tiger Woods and Annika Sorenstam were announced as honorary starters for the 2026 Masters Tournament on Thursday, marking a historic moment for the sport. The Augusta National Golf Club revealed the selection during a press conference, drawing immediate attention from fans and media ahead of this year's tournament.
The pairing represents the first time a woman has been chosen as an honorary starter in the Masters' 90-year history. Sorenstam, a 10-time major champion and LPGA icon, joins Woods, a five-time Masters winner, in the ceremonial role traditionally reserved for male golf legends.
Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley called the decision "a natural progression" for the club, which admitted its first female members in 2012. The announcement comes as the 2026 tournament begins today, with honorary starters traditionally hitting the first tee shots on Thursday morning.
Social media erupted with reactions, particularly praising Sorenstam's inclusion. Golf analyst Brandel Chamblee tweeted: "About time. Annika dominated women's golf like Tiger did the men's game. Perfect pairing." The ceremony will be broadcast live on ESPN at 7:50 AM ET.
Woods, who last won the Masters in 2019, continues recovering from severe leg injuries sustained in a 2021 car crash. His participation as an honorary starter suggests he may no longer compete regularly at Augusta. Sorenstam retired from professional golf in 2008 but remains active in growing the women's game.
The honorary starter tradition dates to 1963, with past participants including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player. This year's selection is trending nationally as it coincides with increased focus on gender equality in sports following recent NCAA basketball viewership records for women's games.
Augusta National has gradually modernized its traditions, allowing female members and creating the Augusta National Women's Amateur tournament in 2019. Today's ceremony will feature both golfers hitting from the iconic first tee before competitive play begins at 8:00 AM ET.
