Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player launch 90th Masters as Augusta tradition continues

The 90th edition of the Masters Tournament got underway Thursday morning under clear skies at Augusta National Golf Club, beginning with one of golf’s most cherished traditions.

Honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson — winners of a combined 11 green jackets — stepped onto the first tee to open the year’s first major. The ceremony, a custom dating back to 1963, once again set the tone for the tournament. Between them, the three Hall of Famers boast 35 major championships, with Nicklaus alone accounting for 18 — including a record six Masters titles.

Player, 90, got things going with a drive straight down the fairway, finishing with his trademark celebratory high kick. Nicklaus, 86, followed with a shot that veered left, prompting laughter as he joked with spectators after calling out a delayed warning. Watson, 76, closed out the trio with a smooth, accurate strike down the middle.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley then addressed the crowd, saying, “Good morning, my name is Fred Ridley,” before adding, “Ladies and gentleman, the 2026 Masters is now officially underway,” and, “Enjoy the tournament.”

With the ceremonial shots complete, attention shifted to the 91-player field competing for the green jacket. Among the headline storylines is Rory McIlroy, who returns after finally capturing his long-awaited Masters victory last year to complete the career Grand Slam. His preparation this season has been limited, however, following a recent back issue that forced him out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is also in the spotlight, entering as the tournament favorite shortly after welcoming his second child with his wife, Meredith. The field also features notable LIV Golf players, including Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, along with six amateurs hoping to make the cut and contend for the Silver Cup.

Play officially began shortly after the ceremony, with the opening group carding pars on the first hole — a 445-yard par-4 known as Tea Olive.

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