The Masters 2026: day one golf updates from Augusta National – live | The Masters

The Honorary Starters. Gary Player, who won this title in 1961, 1974 and 1978, took the first of the ceremonial tee shots down the 1st hole, Tea Olive. The 90-year-old sent his drive down the middle before performing a high kick that would be beyond many men half his age.

The 86-year-old Jack Nicklaus – the record six-time winner of 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975 and 1986 – was up next, and showcased some sharp punditry skills. “Oh boy, watch out, and I don’t mean that facetiously,” he told the assembled patrons before sending a wild hook down the left. No high kick from the Golden Bear, who merely chuckled to himself.

Finally the 76-year-old Tom Watson, winner in 1977 and 1981, took his turn. He spotted that Nicklaus had left his tee stick in the ground. “May I use your tee?” Watson asked. “It’s why I left it,” Nicklaus replied. Watson striped his drive down the middle.

A combined 252 years, 140 Masters appearances and 11 Green Jackets between them. We’ll miss them terribly when they’re gone.