This year’s Masters at Augusta National Golf Club saw three golf legends – Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson – tee off as the honorary starters.
This moment marked a continuation of a time-honored tradition that dates all the way back to 1963, a symbolic start to the tournament.
With 95 golfers in the field, everyone is eager to see who will take home the coveted green jacket in the 89th edition of this prestigious event.
The Masters Legacy of the Honorary Starters
Gary Player, at 89 years old, has an illustrious Masters legacy, having won the tournament three times.
Jack Nicklaus, 85, is one of the sport’s most iconic figures, with six Masters victories to his name.
Tom Watson, 75, now serves as the honorary starter after stepping into the role once held by the beloved Arnold Palmer.
These three golfers represent the golden era of the sport, and their participation in the opening tee shots continues to honor the Masters’ rich history.
Three South Africans Join the Tournament
This year’s Masters also sees a strong South African presence, with three golfers flying the flag.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Thriston Lawrence, and 2011 champion Charl Schwartzel are all in the field, hoping to make a mark on one of the sport’s most storied stages.
Bezuidenhout will tee off at 17:38 (SA time) alongside Americans Tom Hoge and Matt McCarty. Lawrence, playing alongside Spain’s Jose-Maria Olazabal and American Brian Campbell, will hit the course at 17:10 (SA time).
Schwartzel, the 2011 winner, is paired with American Denny McCarthy and Singaporean amateur Hiroshi Tai, starting at 17:49 (SA time).
A Glimpse into the Excitement of the Masters
As the tournament unfolds, the excitement continues to build.
The Masters remains one of the most prestigious golf events in the world, and with golfers from all over the globe vying for the title, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the sport, there’s something special about the Masters that makes it stand out among the year’s top sporting events.