The first round of The Masters 2026 began at Augusta National with the ceremonial tee shots from the honorary starters, setting the tone for another major week at one of golf’s most closely watched tournaments.
Gary Player, the three-time Masters champion who won in 1961, 1974 and 1978, struck the first ceremonial drive down the 1st hole, Tea Olive. The 90-year-old hit his shot straight down the middle before adding a high kick that would have challenged many players half his age.
Jack Nicklaus followed as the next honorary starter. The 86-year-old record six-time winner, whose Masters titles came in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975 and 1986, also offered a touch of commentary before taking his shot. “Oh boy, watch out, and I don’t mean that facetiously,” he told the assembled patrons before sending a wild hook to the left.
Nicklaus, known as the Golden Bear, did not match Player’s high-kicking flourish and instead simply chuckled after his drive.
The ceremonial opening is a familiar and much-loved part of Masters week, bringing together two of the most decorated figures in the tournament’s history before the competitive action takes centre stage. With Player and Nicklaus once again leading the way, the atmosphere around Augusta National reflected the tradition and pageantry that define the event.
Coverage of the opening round continued throughout the day, with the official leaderboard tracking the field as the tournament unfolded. Readers were also directed to follow updates on Bluesky and by email.
As the 2026 Masters began, the focus remained on Augusta National and the start of four days of championship golf, with the ceremonial first shots serving as the symbolic start to the first round.
