Who are the honorary starters for the 2026 Masters? Jack Nicklaus among golf legends kicking off event
Each year, a select group of honorary starters hit the first shots of the Masters. This year, that group includes Jack Nicklaus and more.
Who are the honorary starters for the 2026 Masters? Jack Nicklaus among golf legends kicking off event originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Masters' traditions are often a creature of habit, with this year's honorary starters being no exception. Every year since 1963, golfing legends have served as honorary starters. While 60 years ago, these golfers would play nine holes, today, the main purpose is to take a swing, honor the contest and spend the rest of the event on the sidelines.
The same three legends have been the honorary starters for the past four years. This time around is no different. Without further ado, here they are.
MORE MASTERS 2026 : Ranking the 30 best golfers in this year's Masters Odds, betting favorites, expert picks for the 2026 Masters Complete list of golfers playing in the Masters Who are the Masters honorary starters? Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson are back again for this year's Masters, kicking off the festivities. All three of these golfers are green jacket winners in their own right.