The 90th Masters Tournament is officially underway, and it began with a moment of pure golf history. On a crisp Thursday morning at Augusta National, the legendary trio of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson stepped onto the first tee as Honorary Starters, a tradition that perfectly blends the past with the present of this storied event.

This ceremonial tee-off, a beloved ritual dating back to 1963, signals the true start of the season's first major. Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley welcomed the gathered patrons before introducing the icons, whose collective legacy at this tournament is staggering. Between them, they own 11 Green Jackets from 140 Masters appearances and a combined 35 major championships—a number that underscores their dominance across generations.

Gary Player, the ever-spry 90-year-old, led the charge. Dressed in his classic black and white, the three-time Masters champion launched the first drive of the 2026 tournament, punctuating his swing with his famous celebratory leg kick. The energy was infectious.

Next up was the Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus. Sporting a vibrant yellow Masters sweater, the record-holder with six Augusta victories quipped to the crowd, "Oh boy, watch out," with a playful grin. His drive, and his humorous struggle to retrieve his tee, drew warm laughter and applause, a reminder of the enduring charm of the game's greatest champion.

Tom Watson, a two-time Masters winner with eight majors to his name, wrapped up the ceremony. The 76-year-old shared a lighthearted moment with Nicklaus before calmly striping his shot down the fairway, a picture of timeless grace under pressure.

With that, Chairman Ridley declared the 2026 Masters open. For the fifth consecutive year, these three legends have shared this honor, connecting the rich history of Augusta with the new champions waiting to be crowned. It was a powerful reminder that while players come and go, the spirit and tradition of the Masters endure, inspiring every golfer who dreams of walking these hallowed fairways.