'Oh boy...watch out!' | Nicklaus entertains crowd as honorary starters get The Masters underway!

Golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson officially commenced the 2026 Masters Tournament by performing the ceremonial honorary starter tee shots at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia on Thursday morning, April 9, 2026, continuing a cherished tradition that honors the game's greatest champions and sets the tone for the prestigious major championship. The trio, boasting a combined 11 Masters victories, stood on the first tee under the iconic Augusta pines, with Nicklaus, the six-time champion, drawing the biggest laugh from the gathered patrons after his drive. Following Player and Watson's solid opening shots, the 86-year-old Nicklaus stepped up, winked at the crowd, and delivered his signature line, 'Oh boy...watch out!' before striping his drive down the fairway. The moment perfectly captured the lighthearted yet revered nature of the ceremony, blending competitive spirit with camaraderie. This marked another year where these icons, whose careers are forever intertwined with the history of the tournament, returned to the hallowed grounds where they achieved their greatest triumphs. The honorary starter tradition, which began in 1963 with Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod, has evolved into a cornerstone of Masters week. It serves as a living bridge between the tournament's storied past and its present, allowing new generations of fans to witness the legends who shaped the sport. The participation of Nicklaus, Player, and Watson, who have been performing this duty together since 2022, guarantees a poignant and celebratory start to golf's most revered major, emphasizing respect for history and the enduring legacy of its champions.