Masters Tradition: The Legacy of Honorary Starters at Augusta National

The Masters is steeped in tradition, and few moments capture fans’ attention like the ceremonial first tee shots by the Honorary Starters. 

First introduced in 1963, the role honours golfers with deep connections to Augusta National Golf Club and a history of excellence in the sport.

The concept of hitting the opening shot at The Masters actually dates back to 1941, when amateur Francis Ouimet teed off before withdrawing from the tournament. 

Encouraged by co-founder Bobby Jones, Ouimet’s appearance inspired what would become the formal Honorary Starter tradition more than two decades later.

Initially, Honorary Starters would play nine or more holes, but today their role is purely ceremonial, with three legends hitting the first tee shots to signal the start of the tournament.

For the 2026 Masters, three giants of the game will share the honour: record 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, nine-time major winner Gary Player, and eight-time major winner Tom Watson. It will mark the fifth time all three will hit the opening shots together. 

Nicklaus has served as an Honorary Starter since 2010, Player since 2012, and Watson joined in 2022.

In 2026, Nicklaus will also appear as part of Amazon’s inaugural Masters coverage, marking a new broadcasting partnership alongside CBS Sports and ESPN.

Nicklaus, 86, has won The Masters six times, in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986, with victories spanning more than two decades and making him the tournament’s oldest champion at 46. 

Player, 90, won The Masters three times, in 1961, 1974, and 1978, becoming the first non-American champion and achieving 15 top-10 finishes in 52 appearances. 

Watson, 76, won The Masters twice, in 1977 and 1981, defeating legends such as Nicklaus and Johnny Miller to claim his green jackets.

Scroll down to check out the full history of Honorary Starters in Masters history...