April 9 (UPI) -- Golf icons Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson teed off the 90th Masters Tournament with the Honorary Starters ceremony Thursday in Augusta, Ga.
The longstanding tradition, which dates back to 1963, took place on hole No. 1 at Augusta National Golf Club, just before the 91-man field for the 2026 tournament was set to tee off the first major of the season.
"Good morning, my name is Fred Ridley," the Augusta chairman said to the gallery. "On behalf of the membership of Augusta National Golf Club, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 90th playing of the Masters."
Nicklaus, Player and Watson won a combined 11 green jackets over 140 Masters appearances. The Hall of Famers totaled 35 major championships, with Nicklaus owning more than half of those trophies.
The 90th Masters Tournament begins with ceremonial tee shots from Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson. #themasters https://t.co/5WMvw0UeKz— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2026
