Three legends of the game got the 2024 Masters Tournament started, as Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson served as the honorary starters Thursday morning.
After a 2-hour delay to start play due to weather, all eyes turned to three of golf’s greatest.
Player got the festivities started with his typical outgoing humor and grace, hitting a nice shot – especially for an 88-year-old legend of the game.
The 84-year-old Nicklaus followed him with his annual jokes about putting the ball on the tee being the hardest part of all of it, before he also hit one straight. “Watch out on the left and right,” he exclaimed.
And lastly, the 74-year-old (but looking far younger) Tom Watson capped things off with a wink at Nicklaus, and a graceful nod and smile at the starter. He hammered one down the fairway, looking like he could actually compete in this thing still.
Combined, this trio has 11 Masters Championships and over 110 years on the course.
Here’s a look at all the fun from the ceremonial start to the Masters from Player, Nicklaus and Watson.
