Tom Watson is set to join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as Honorary Starters for the 2026 Masters. The three legends will officially begin the tournament by hitting driver down the first hole.
Watson Joins Masters Legends
The 90th Masters at Augusta National Golf Club will be kicked off by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson. These three legends have 11 green jackets between them. They will participate in the Honorary Starters Ceremony.
Start Time Confirmed
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7:25 a.m. on the No. 1 tee.
The History of the Honorary Starters Ceremony
Having someone hit the first shot at the Masters dates to 1941, when amateur Francis Ouimet played the first round before withdrawing. Ouimet’s appearance was at the urging of Tournament co-founder Bobby Jones. This planted the seed of an idea that would eventually start the tradition, per the Masters website.