As an honorary starter at this year’s Masters, Tom Watson will join Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player on the first tee early on Day 1.
Watson, a two-time Masters champion, was added to the group on Tuesday by Augusta National. It’s unknown whether Watson will be a regular member of the trio or if his appearance this year is a one-time thing.
“One of my favorite places to be in April is Augusta National,” Watson said in a statement. “I am tremendously honored to join my friends and fellow competitors, Jack and Gary, as an honorary starter in this forthcoming Masters, as I have many good memories of both watching the Masters as a child and then competing in the tournament for so many years.”
Until his death in 2016, Arnold Palmer was an honorary starter. Last year at the Masters, Lee Elder joined Nicklaus and Player on the first tee, but he was unable to hit a tee shot.
At the 1963 Masters, the custom of honorary starts began. Watson will be the eleventh participant to take part in the event.
