Jack Nicklaus Museum

1986 Masters
40 years ago today, Jack Nicklaus began play at the 1986 Masters. His performance that week has become legend. The 46-year-old Golden Bear summoned all his skill & experience to claim his record sixth Green Jacket.

The 46 Year Old Assassin Jack Nicklaus's 1986 Masters Miracle At 46 years old… they said he was finished.Then he did the impossible.In 1986 at The Masters Tournament, Jack Nicklaus delivered one of the greatest comeback...

The Honorary Starters for the 90th Masters Tournament (2026) are Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson. 

This trio will hit the ceremonial opening tee shots on the first hole at Augusta National Golf Club to officially kick off the tournament on Thursday morning, April 9, 2026. The Honorary Starters Ceremony is scheduled to begin around 7:25–7:30 a.m. EDT. 

They have served in this role together since 2022 (following Lee Elder’s participation in 2021), continuing a long-standing Masters tradition that dates back to 1963. Between them, they boast 11 Masters green jackets: Nicklaus with 6, Player with 3, and Watson with 2. Nicklaus has been an honorary starter since 2010, Player since 2012, and Watson since 2022. 

Quick History of the Tradition
The practice began with Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod in 1963. Over the decades, legends like Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, and Arnold Palmer have taken part. After Palmer’s passing in 2016, Nicklaus and Player continued, with Watson joining to form the current group. In some earlier years, starters even played a few holes, but today it’s a short, symbolic drive to open the event. 

This ceremonial start remains one of the most cherished moments in golf, honoring the game’s greats while setting the stage for the year’s first major.